System and methods for accelerated recognition and processing of personal privilege operative for controlling large closed group environments

ABSTRACT

Methods ( 3500 - 3695 ) and apparatus ( 10, 20 ) for controlling physical ( 30, 40 ) and virtual ( 12 ) access for accelerated recognition and processing of privileges, benefits, value transfers, crowd control, community membership and status, in particular for institutions, arenas and other large venues.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to secured access to real and virtualvenues, and, in particular, to systems and methods for monitoring andcontrolling personal access in dynamically changing large closed groups.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that crowd control is necessary in many common venues,such as sports events, rock concerts, hotels, universities, and othersIt would also be desirable to handle crowd control in ways that areamenable to integrating ancillary services and products that are userfriendly, and beneficial to both the system operator and to the user.

The backbone of this inventive system is the integration of amultiplicity of modern methods and apparatus around an acceleratedpeople behavior control concept which could typically allow aconcurrently available single smart card chip, off-line, to authenticatea vital up-to-date estimation of a single member of group of over twomillion members, or for a stadium control box to know even more relevantinformation about one or more individual from a plurality of membershipgroups, e.g., all of the fans of all of the leagues in the UnitedKingdom. Using this proprietary tested method, sports arenas and concerthalls, universities and hotels can offer services and product in a moreamenable fashion, at lower cost, with any such level of security whichwould be commensurate to the state of art, the resources available tothe users, owners and unfortunately, the vast capabilities and resourcesof adversaries.

Hotel operators typically control hotel guests' access to hotel roomswith mechanical locks and metal keys, and mechanically differentiated,magnetically coded, or chip-card tokens. Stadium operators servedynamically active crowds, consisting of enthusiastic fans of local andoften adversarial teams; several classes of season subscribers;corporate and other fans with various entitlements; “aways” (mostly fansfrom the opposing team); buy-back “ticket” purchasers (from seasonsubscribers who get remuneration for matches they cannot attend wherethe seat may be sold to an entitled fan or a chance purchasers); and ofvital importance, stadium and sport club employees. As opposed torelatively acquiescent hotel guests or university students, sports fansare often an unruly crowd, with adversarial interests, demanding intenseservice in a short time interval.

Hotel keepers typically abandoning conventional door locks with keys, asthey suffer from expensive lock maintenance, often demanding keyreplacement, lock adjustment or lock replacement typically caused by the“forgetful” guest who fails to return his keys upon leaving the hotel.Typically, conventional door locks are being replaced by a variety ofcoded plastic devices. Popular entitlement devices are magnetic stripecards, magnetically coded and semiconductor embedded chip keysresembling conventional keys and mechanically coded (typically withstrategically placed holes) tokens.

Typically, the electronic lock acceptors are self-contained, off-lineoperative and battery powered; occasionally the devices are wired;either networked to the guest check-in counter for on-line operation, orwired, only to avoid problems related to batteries and the difficultiesof timely replacement.

In all instances, elaborate means are necessary to ensure that at agiven time interval, the door lock will recognize the token to be bonafide, and, if possible, with an approved length of stay. In addition,means must be provided to ensure that authorized hotel employees cangain entrance to the hotel room, to provide routine and emergencyservices, e.g., cleaning or forced entrance to care for a disabledguest. In many installations, such hotel service personnel would havemaster electronic or mechanical master keys. Synchronizing the system,so that a door will recognize a synchronously encoded key to allowlegitimate entrance at a given time, is typically the problem that facesdesigners of such systems. Typically, a new synchronized key or keysmust be presented to the hotel door, when a guest's key is inoperative.Such service, typically, overrides normal security procedures. Theprinciple involved in such conventional mechanical lock andelectronically controlled door lock settings is that that the a doormust be synchronized with specific parameters in advance to recognizethe unique features of the token or key. Electronic keys typicallypossess time-variant features, and the systems typically employvulnerable schemes for synchronization, whereas any mechanicaltime-variance entails manual mechanical adjustment or replacement.

Manually synchronized mechanical locks are described in Sedley, U.S.Pat. No. 4,312,198. Sedley's lock consisted of a non-magnetic keystudded with small magnets, operative to repel magnetic studs in thelock mechanism. The placement of the studs in the lock could be changedmanually by a tool operative to alter the small magnet “combination”.Saliga, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,884 suggests a time variant code system,where the hotel check-in desk would algorithmically insert a series oftime linked codes relating to the projected stay of the guest in thehotel. The door lock's microprocessor with a real-time clock, would thenascertain if a link code in the key's memory matches a current accesscode. U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,694 describes a check-in station for hotels,operative to issue time linked access control devices for VingCard AS,Norway's diverse access control product line of magnetic striped plasticcards, smart cards, and other plastic security devices. U.S. Pat. No.5,321,395 describes a wireless electronic smart card type access controlsystem, wherein a via a tuned circuit, a wireless contactless isactivated to emulate a time variant keycode of entrance.

The methods of this invention are operative to safely prove identity ofa valid entity in a system, to supply information to a cryptographicallyoperated reader, with relative small memory size able to allow off-lineentry to an applicant for entrance pendant on recent or immediate statusof the applicant, as to the point of entry, the expected time intervalof entry, and in some instances to revert in due time to an on-line modeas would be necessary in a crowd control environment, or time andattendance entrance points for university or hotel employees.

Older Fortress GB Ltd. systems, some of which were deployed severalyears ago, handle up to 50,000 dynamically changing system clients, andpresently deployed systems are able to accommodate up to 250,000 systemclients in a disbursed environment with a plurality of entry points.Fortress GB Ltd's competitors have not been able to control access tosuch large clientele. The new systems, will easily accommodate up to1,000,000 potential users of such a system, where each of the 1,000,000applicants for entry are recognizable in any one of the plurality ofoff-line points of entry. With new low-cost orders of magnitude largenon-volatile memory, future entry controllers will easily accommodate,off-line, hundreds of millions of users' tokens and tens of millions ofreader devices, embedded in a plurality of conventional and futuristicdevices.

These systems have been and are being deployed with a multiplicity ofsecurity levels, methods and devices. Typically, the connections betweenthe readers, servers, issuing computers and door and gate controllershave been protected with Public Key and symmetric Cryptographic means,e.g., RSA, DES, 3DES and Wolfram methods. Multi-application andmulti-vendor applications have typically been implemented on public keyprotected smart cards and SIM chips. Users have had the benefit ofmulti-application public key protected smart cards and a plurality ofemulated public key applications, using contactless Inside and Mifaredevices.

In applicant's Provisional U.S. application No. 60/565,393, methods andapparatus for communicating with contactless smart cards are described,wherein the antenna in the terminal device, e.g., mobile phones, USBsecured mass memory devices (Intellifiers) depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15are integrated into the keypad of said terminal devices. In this patentwe suggest that the antenna may also be included in the front plasticcase or plastic clam shell cover of a terminal, to reduce powerconsumption, especially important for very near field NMR (nuclearmagnetic resonance) used in unique substance detection, e.g., thematerials manufactured by Micro Tag Temed Ltd., wherein such materialsand means of detection are revealed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,986,550. In thisdocument, we refer to the applied proprietary material as magneticicons, or by the applicant's trademark, Magicon. In the drawings we havedepicted a Magicon residing in the same near field with semiconductorelements containing memory elements that may be adversely affected bythe strong NMR fields. In such instances it may be necessary to eitherapply higher concentrations of proprietary detectable magneticallyresonating substances, or alternately, to assure that the semiconductormemory element is designed to be sufficiently immune to theelectromagnetic field necessary for validating the existence of theproprietary substance.

The idea of wireless communicating with microchip memories with avariety of devices is described in applicant's Provisional U.S.application No. 60/565,393. In that application the device antenna is onthe keypad or the front cover of the terminal device. The idea ofcommunicating with posters via mobile devices also appears in“Kowalski's Big Bet on Contactless”, in Card Technology of May 2004,page 31.

In this invention, we have set out bases for business plans andtechnological combinations for negotiating product purchases, for mobilephone betting at the arena or purchasing tickets to a rock concert,etc., where the incentive is a poster with an embedded equivalent of alarge memory smart card. Typically, embedded in the microchip is aproprietary material, typically one of the unique Micro Tag'sproprietary NMR resonating materials, recognizable by the contactlessmagnetic scanner via the smart card contactless antenna, typically,giving assurance of origin of the token substrate. The mobile phonedownloads the event program, a betting card, a mobile phone negotiationapplication from a poster. During or previous to the event, the user canplace bets, learn the results of his wagers and receive last-minuteupdates of other sporting events where wagers may still be recorded. Ata symphony concert, the user will know that his phone will not ring,except at intermission, and he will have, on the mobile screen, a reviewof the program, the instrumentalists, the sponsors, possibly withadvertisements. At an opera, an additional benefit would be an on-linelibretto, in the vernacular or the original, sponsored by an advertiser,or paid for by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following terms are used in the specification and drawings and arehereby clarified commensurate to usage in the specifications anddrawings:

-   Acceptable token: a token operative to prove to a token terminal    that a token holder has received authorization commensurate with    acceptance criteria of said terminal device to allow access    privileges.-   Access: the controlled privilege of physical and or virtual entrance    into a venue.-   Active member of community: a token-owning user recognized by the    system operator to be in good standing and belonging to an    operator-authorized community.-   Antenna: a configuration of electrical conductors embedded in    terminals and tokens, to enable wireless communication between the    terminals and tokens, and also in preferred embodiments for    transmitting terminal-generated electromagnetic signals for    excitation of magnetic resonance, and for detecting resonance    frequencies of NMR-detectable substances, typically as disclosed in    applicant's provisional U.S. Patent Application 60/565,393.-   Applicant: a user who has presented a token to a terminal, thereby,    typically implicitly requesting privileged access, e.g., applying,    with a mobile phone Intellifier to a betting terminal to negotiate a    bet; applying a contactless smart card to an Intellifier.-   Application: a procedure or set of procedures that enable users to    benefit from computerized systems; e.g., a betting application    typically includes procedures to inform users of current odds;    procedures to transfer value from a user's account to the betting    system account; and procedures to transfer value from a betting    system account to a user's account.-   Arena: a dynamically changing closed environment to which audiences,    spectators or members of a community have restricted rights of    entry, e.g., stadiums, concert halls, ballrooms, etc.-   Attached (wireless tokens in posters according to embodiments of the    present invention): affixed onto any surface, imprinted thereon, or    embedded in a material or substrate thereof. Typically secured    passive or active wireless electronic devices attached to posters    relates to secured passive or active typically wireless electronic    devices, which are attached to posters, non-limiting examples of    which are paper or plastic. Such devices typically include an    antenna, a microcontroller, and non-volatile memory.-   Attend: to gain access or to become a spectator, participant,    observer, or user in a controlled participation event, e.g., a    soccer game, a rock concert, a conference, a forum.-   Attribute: a property, or characteristic of a user or token,    non-limiting examples which include: a privilege, an entitlement, a    status, and other single-valued operator-certified qualities used as    criteria for controlled access. More specific attributes include,    but are not limited to: season subscriber, expected attendee, VIP,    club steward, credit rating, credit allowance, gender, age group, a    veteran status, marital status, etc.-   Authenticate: to establish the relevant status of a token and the    token holder. Authentication processes include cryptographic    (symmetric and asymmetric) certification and proof of validity    processes; processes that prove origin of an authorized priority;    processes that include but are not limited to prove that the token    holder is the entitled owner of the token, e.g. biometric    identification or knowledge of confidential information, typically    known only to the authenticator and the token owner.-   Authenticator: any means or individual authorized or entitled to    authenticate entities; e.g., users, tokens, proprietary substances,    etc.-   Authorization: the qualification of status and priorities of system    users. Authorization is typically manifested in issuing tokens    identifying users and user status, in a manner in which system    devices, e.g., terminals, university and hotel door locks, point of    sale, betting computers and other devices can provably authenticate.-   Authorizations for controlled access: entitlements granted by an    entity and/or device authorized by the system operator and    verifiable by system-authorized terminals and token readers.-   Barcodes: a commonly used optically identifiable coding system    consisting of varied width numerically identifiable black bars. In    preferred embodiments of this invention, barcodes are invisibly    masked by a coating of invisible ink, identifiable only when    radiated by a resonating frequency numerically encoded and    cryptographically identifiable by the system. In more secure    preferred embodiments, the bar code is printed with magnetic ink on    a black non-magnetic substrate, and covered with a secret invisible    ink. In such embodiments, only a barcode reader is operative to read    the coding, and normal copying machine, such as a typical Xerox    device, is incapable of copying the printed magnetic ink barcode on    the black substrate, the magnetic ink reader could not read a    non-magnetic ink, and a suitable invisible ink detector detects the    absence of the invisible ink covering.-   Barrier: a physical obstruction, typically computer controlled,    e.g., turnstiles, gates, locks, etc., operative to control physical    access of persons.-   Biometric identifier: a quantifiable, measurable, and computer and    human recognizable physical attribute, useful for enhancing user    identification and proof of a one-to-one relation to ID tokens for    applications defined herein. Examples of such uniquely definable    attributes include, but are not limited to: facial images,    fingerprint images, finger geometry measurements, unique data that a    user knows, magnetic resonance images of body parts, etc. Templates    for comparing such attributes are preferably stored and evaluated in    tokens and or in secured devices, typically from secured data bases.-   Blocked List: a file listing wherein specific token-identifying bits    signify that a numbered token is permanently denied (revoked) or    temporarily denied (rescinded) of the entitlement relevant to the    listing. Typically, the blocked listing includes a time-stamp.-   Buy-Back: the profitable scheme for “recycling” a season    subscription user's privilege to attend an event. The operator    refunds a portion of the price of the subscription and is able to    resell the privilege to another patron. The subscriber typically    chooses to arrange the buy-back with the operator, else he entrusts    a third party with her/his valuable token. This prevents the    typically illicit practice of hoarding and scalping. The process is    typically accelerated and simplified by the Fortress GB Ltd.    proprietary listing system, and is an integral part of the process    demonstrated in FIG. 5. In a preferred embodiment, typically, the    issuing station complements the subscriber's bit in the “expected    binary list of attendee tokens”, before cut-off-time, subsequently    enabling the ticketing station to process a second privilege. In    preferred embodiments typically the purchaser is a member of the    community who has reserved preferential rights to purchase such    privilege. In preferred embodiments, the operator's ticketing office    is entitled to deliver tokens issued by the issuing station and to    issue tokens authorized by the issuing station, typically for simple    one-time authorized ticket tokens.-   Clock, Real-Time Clock: a device operative to measure and reveal    date and time of day, in the conventional sense. Typically, a clock    is battery backed and reasonably accurate, typically used to aid in    defining time frames for token holder's priorities; e.g., a    steward's free entrance priority typically is for specific events    several hours previous to the event; a hotel maid's token's priority    is typically for a given day, to a given section of rooms, for a    defined time frame; a token holder who purchased entrance privilege    to an event after terminals activity lists were updated, i.e., after    cutoff time. After cutoff time, purchase tokens have certified    authenticateable time-stamps recorded in the token allowing terminal    devices to grant access subsequent to proof of entrance privilege,    thereby allowing access, despite the absence of proof of the token    holder's proof of privilege on the terminal's activity listing.    Typically, file listings include time-stamps.-   Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system enhancement: any of various    options typically synchronized to a user's entering a controlled    area. Typical CCTV enhancements display user images on control box    monitors, to record, analyze, and compare such images to users'    images in typically confidential operator's data bases, and to    transmit images to an arena control room to aid in controlling    illicit applicants, unruly users and or groups of users.-   Cluster: a group of conceptually allied entities typically    interconnected or capable of being controlled by a central    controller; e.g., the group of gates regulated by a control box; the    troop of stewards monitoring crowd movements; the betting computers    in the arena; the disbursed personal computers with Intellifiers.-   Community: a dynamically changing group of users and/or users'    tokens with interests typically common to the system operator.    Non-limiting examples include: the communities of students, patrons,    performers, and employees of universities, symphony orchestras,    football clubs, hotels or universities. Also, a dynamically changing    group of tokens which also includes tokens that an operator intends    to issue.-   Complement, binary: the act of changing the binary value of a bit;    i.e., a previously-set “1” (one bit value) is changed to a “0” (zero    bit value); and a previously-set “0” (zero bit value) is changed to    a “1” (one bit value). A bit is complemented only if the previous    value of the bit does not signify the present authenticator    determined value; e.g., if a passed-back token is presented to the    token-reader, typically, entitlement to enter has been rescinded,    and the entitlement bit has been revoked. In such an instant,    passage will be denied, and the binary entitlement bit will not be    complemented. Typically, the steward will be alerted, and the event    will be recorded in a history file, to be statistically analyzed.-   Control Box, Control Box Sub-systems: a gate-controlling module    consisting of one or more computer devices with activity listings to    enable token terminals and readers to ascertain entrance priorities,    to supply statistics to venue network servers and to control    operation of turnstiles and other barriers, to operate light    indicators, and, in higher security embodiments to execute a    combination of other functions, e.g., to operate data or image    monitors, to control and record images of spectators who have passed    the barriers, to ascertain origin of token, etc.-   Cut-off-time, Cut-off-time stamp: a predetermined instant when    listings for specified peripherals are finalized, which is certified    or “stamped”, typically by a cryptographic process. Consequently,    any grant of rights and/or privileges issued after such an instant,    typically requires operator terminal's validation of the token's    entitlement. Typically, in order to grant entitlement, such a    process proves to the terminal that the token's memory contains a    secret, or a provable trace of a secret, which is difficult for an    attacker to contrive, thereby proving operator's authorization.-   Data Base: a collection of one or more typically confidential data    files containing data relevant to users' status, priorities,    financial accounts, paid up subscriptions, expected participation at    events, records of unruly behavior, etc.-   Door Lock, Door Lock Controller: a typically off-line passage    controller device operative to authenticate token devices' assigned    rights of entry, in a given time interval, with mechanisms to enable    the token holder to open the door upon removal of the authenticated    token. Typically, the internal computerized door lock mechanism    records the history of entrees and the time of day and the date of    entry.-   Door Master: a Fortress GB Ltd. trademark for a typically PDA driven    interface between a computing center and a, typically, isolated    device. A Door Master is particularly operative to initialize and    update off-line devices, especially door locks. Typically, the PDA:    down-loads updated activity listings and operating software to    update such activity listings in said off-line devices. In preferred    embodiments, software typically complements one bit of a list to    designate revocation of a token right, typically indicating that a    specified token which previously had rights to unlock a specific    door lock is henceforth banned. In a university environment, only a    single door lock typically need be changed when either the token is    revoked because of loss of the token or in case of revocation of a    student's access rights. The door lock mechanism first ascertains    that the token is an active token in the university, and    subsequently ascertains if the token holder is provably authorized    to unlock the door. In an alternate preferred embodiment, a newly    issued doorlock token may “disenfranchise” previously entitled    tokens.-   Gate: a passage controlling unit typically including combinations of    turnstiles or other barriers, token authenticating terminals, and    light indicators clustered in sections and controlled by a control    box.-   Gate Master: a Fortress GB Ltd. trademark for an interface between a    computing device, typically a PDA, and a token-accepting terminal in    a cluster of gates which is typically temporarily or permanently not    networked to a central computer, capable of down-loading updated    activity listings, operating software, and to update activity    listings.-   Event: an expected happening that occurs during an approximated time    frame, to which token holders aspire to participate; e.g., wrestling    matches, football games, concerts, movies, unlocking of doors.-   ID: required identification of a user, relative to the context of    the application or section of thereof; e.g., at a stadium turnstile,    the user or user's token may be required only to prove at least,    temporary membership in a community, the right to enter the stadium    at a defined section, and proof of having fulfilled requirements for    attendance at an event. Within the stadium the user may typically be    requested to prove ownership of the token and or rights to be seated    in a predefined location.-   ID Token: a device used for identification of the token holder and    the token holder's privileges; used interchangeably herein with    “tokens”, contact smart cards, contactless smart cards, and other    wireless proximity devices, and/or printed ticket type devices with    any combination or use of single protective security means, such as    masked magnetic ink and as in preferred embodiments of this    invention invisible in masked barcodes and proprietary Magicons;    biometric identification with smart card confidentially controlled    identifying template; etc.-   Initialization, Token Initialization: typically a process or a    series of processes, operative to prepare a token with confidential    attributes, prior to the personalization process, which is typically    enacted at a proprietary Fortress GB Ltd. issuing station.-   Invisible Ink: a variety of transparent very thin film masking inks,    which display light in a visible to machine or human when irradiated    by a resonating frequency operative in preferred embodiments of this    invention to mask barcode icons.-   Intellifier: a Fortress GB Ltd. trademark for a generic class of    multi-factor security computer peripherals, as disclosed in    applicant's U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/565,393. Such    devices typically communicate with tokens, to securely record and    transmit data and to enable negotiations. Typical Intellifiers are    configured in USB computer peripherals and in secured mobile phones.-   Issuing station: a system, device, or combination thereof for    printing; microchip programming, and certifying; magnetic stripe    encoding; embossing; encoding and decoding; operative to enhancing    tokens with unique attributes, and secret or certified information;    and/or to enable secured automatic process of entry, or access to a    device, venue or service.-   Kiosk: an on-line device for serving users with necessary    information, and, in the university environment, to cause value    change; e.g., to convert cash to credit for purchase of goods,    services, etc.-   Light Indicator: a generic term typically used in sports stadium for    visual display devices, similar or identical to conventional traffic    lights, for clearly indicating to a steward the conditions of    entrance or refusal of entry of an applicant, e.g., one color    typically indicates that a token is fully paid for, usable by any    applicant, another color may indicate use of a child's token,    wherein the steward will typically ascertain that the token was not    used by an adult, flashing lights typically indicate a potential    serious violation, e.g., the token was used at the wrong turnstile;    that the token was already used at the event, (passed back), etc.,    typically demanding immediate attention of the steward.-   Lists, Activity List, Binary List, Byte List, Revoked Membership    List: an easily-accessed file wherein each addressable memory bit or    word (typically a byte) defines status of one token/token holder    relevant to a listing. In a compact university door lock each bit in    the file relates to a specific index number of a token, in    circulation, or potentially to be issued by the university. A    revocation bit is typically complemented, e.g., changed from zero to    one, in those instances where a token was issued rights to unlock    said door lock and where such rights have been revoked. In the arena    environment, each token is typically represented by a byte,    typically describing status and expectation of participation of the    token holder in the concurrent event. Typically, such file listings    include a time-stamp.-   Magicon, or magnetic resonating icon: Fortress GB Ltd. trademark,    referring to an applied concentration of a suitably-detectable    amount of proprietary NMR material onto a token in any detectable    form, e.g., implanted in the substrate, mixed into printing ink and    applied as a spot, a logo, or an index number.-   Mobile Telephone: any conventional mobile telephone, in the    preferred embodiments with additional antennas typically operable to    communicate with contactless tokens, as disclosed in applicant's    U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/565,393, and/or to    authenticate traces of proprietary typically magnetically resonant    substances.-   Near Field, Near Field Communication, NFC: refers to ISO 14443    specification for close contact token communications, see    “Kowalski's Big Bet on Contactless”, Card Technology, May, 2004.    NFC, as opposed to Far Field Communication, uses a low amplitude    radiated electromagnetic field to energize, activate, and    communicate with a passive contactless device. In this patent, a    near field radiation is also used to activate and detect magnetic    resonance in a proprietary substance.-   Negotiate: to conduct a process or employ a protocol to prove    entitlement, to assure transfer of value, or to prove identity.    Negotiation is used by system tokens and devices.-   Network: the fixed line and wireless networking necessary for    systematic regulation; e.g., statistical monitoring, and control of    access to devices and closed areas.-   NMR, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: in the context of this patent, a    technology based on attributes of traces of proprietary substances    which when activated emit signals, typically unique frequency    combinations, which enable authentication or detection of fraud.    Reference is made herein to near-field NMR detection without a    strong static magnetic field, e.g., only affected by the miniscule    natural magnetic field, which enables reasonable readings of a    compass. Innovatively, in this patent, such detection is enabled    using the same, or a similar antenna as normally used in contactless    smart card readers.-   Numerical Address (of an attribute of a token ID): a number which    uniquely identifies a specific attribute in a list. Typically, the    numerical address is constructed via a concatenation of: a token    ID's numerical value; the numerical location of the bit or bits    indicating the attribute; and an optional number for making the    numerical address unique, if necessary. In a typical binary listing,    the least significant hexadecimal digit of the attribute's numerical    address (typically in the range of 0 to 7) signifies the specific    bit in the byte address. In a non-limiting example, a token ID    number is “12E45”, with the requested attribute in list number 2, so    that the numerical address is “x..x212E4”, where the attribute bit    is the sixth rightmost bit in a byte. Here, “x..x” signifies    arbitrary digits.-   Numerical Value (of a token ID): the identifier of a token ID taken    as a number, for associating the token ID with attribute values in    an activity list, such as a list of acceptable token ID's. The    associated attributes are located via numerical addresses related to    the numerical value of the token ID. In a word type activity list,    typically the word length is 8 bits (one byte), as 8 attributes are    typically sufficient for applications. In typical word applications,    each bit signifies a single attribute of a specific token-holder via    that token-holder's token ID. In some embodiments, two bits define    related attributes; in a non-limiting example, one read-only bit    signifies that a token-holder is an expected attendee, and a second    read/write bit signifies whether the token has or has not been used    at a particular event.-   Off-line: indicates that a function, or data file in a device, e.g.,    a revoke list or operating program; a peripheral device, e.g., a    betting terminal, or group of devices, e.g., a gate cluster is    permanently or temporarily not connected to or affected by the    central server or other devices in the network, fixed line or    wireless and that such device typically is operational when not    connected to such networks. Such off-line devices are typically    timely loaded with activity lists; e.g., in some preferred    embodiments, a “white list” is a file of mostly zeroes, where the    occasional one signifies “a token and it's owner are in good    standing”; in other preferred embodiments a zero in a “black list”    signifies that the operator has rescinded a specific entitlement to    a token holder.-   On-Line: the communicative state of a device of being connected to    the operator's fixed or wireless network, at a specific time.    Typically, after cut-off time, a gate controller box “goes” on-line    only when polled by a server to supply crowd relevant statistics,    e.g., the number of users who have entered the stadium via the gate    cluster, the priority and/or status of said users, or    instantaneously to notify the crowd control room of potential or    concurrent danger, crowd unruliness or violence.-   Operator: an entity responsible for granting and denying users    defined privileges, priorities status, typically in defined venues,    and typically by authorizing and disbursing tokens to users in a    secured manner and to maintain control over networked crowd control    devices and other arena functions. Explicit examples of system    operators in this document are arena operators, typically football    club administration entities, and university administrators,    authorized to qualify users and quantify users' privileges.-   Override, Override access listing: to perform an operator    authorization granted after cut-off-time stamped listings have been    compiled and issued. Typically, tokens have secured means to prove    authenticity of granted privilege, e.g., asymmetric or symmetric    cryptographic methods for mass authentication.-   Participant: a user with typically limited access to a controlled    event; e.g., a participant in a conference typically is limited to    points of access, and limited in allowed time intervals.-   Passage Controller: see barriers, door lock controllers, turnstiles    and gates.-   PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant or Personal Data Assistant):    handheld personal computers, typically with wireless communication    attributes. In this invention, PDAs, used by stewards, are typically    enabled to communicate with the server either via an on-line    wireless network or with manually inserted flash memory devices.    Typically, they include modules to read tokens, e.g., barcodes,    contactless smartcards, or conventional contact smartcards. The    stewards typically use PDAs to aid users to know and find seating    arrangements. In those instances wherein arena control boxes, door    locks, information kiosks, points of sale, or betting stalls are    permanently or temporarily isolated (off-line), priority lists are    typically downloaded into such PDAs and subsequently downloaded to    such isolated devices with appropriate interfaces, e.g., Gate    Masters, Door Masters, etc. typically, off-line devices have battery    backed real time clocks, which are typically reconciled to exact    time of day and date with said interfaces.-   Person: see user, token holder, etc.-   Performer: a user in the community, with access to restricted areas,    e.g., the locker rooms and soccer field pitch.-   Personalization, Token Personalization: is the process of preparing    a token with uniqueness and confidentiality, linking the token to    the authorized token-holder. Typically, personalization of a token    follows a manufacturer's initialization of a device, enabling    personalization. Typically, Fortress GB Ltd. issuing stations are    operative to personalize contact and contactless configured smart    cards.-   Poster: a conventional sign or conventional poster with an attached    wireless token typically of types used in contactless smart cards    with large non-volatile memories, operative to communicate with    wireless handheld communicators, terminals and token readers, e.g.,    mobile telephones of types described in this document, to enable    such users' communicating devices to negotiate with said wireless    poster tokens, and to download from said poster tokens relevant data    and applications.-   Predetermined number of bits (per word): the size specified for a    word, in bits. Typically this is the number of bits assigned to each    token ID in a listing. In an embodiment of the present invention,    compact listings are utilized wherein each token-holder's attributes    are stored in one word. In the non-limiting case of byte lists, the    predetermined number of bits in the word is eight.-   Predetermined bit value: a value for a bit selected to be either a    “0” or a “1”. Bit values typically represent a binary attribute,    e.g., in a non-limiting example, a predetermined bit value of “0”    indicates that a token-holder is an expected attendee at an event.    Accordingly, a “1” correspondingly indicates that the token-holder    is not an expected attendee at the event. In this example, when the    token-holder enters the restricted area, the control-box will    typically complement the “0” bit to a “1” bit. Thus, if the token is    illicitly “passed back” to a conspirator, who would then attempt to    use the token for a second illicit “passed back” entrance into the    restricted area, the control box would recognize the conspirator as    an unexpected attendee, and typically flash an alert signal to the    steward.-   Priority and privilege: equivalent terms referring to operator    authority's time-variant certified authorization of user status and    privilege in a system relevant to authorized activities in the    system.-   Priority List: a list of token ID's associated with specified    attributes. E.g., suspect list, black list, invalidated list,    entitlement list, active list, active member list, expected guest    list, and so forth. A priority list references index numbers of    closed group tokens. Indexing each token as a single addressable    bit, or single byte, enables accelerated confirmation of attribute    for a particular token ID, and typically, minimizes need for large    memory resources in off-line devices. A priority list is prepared    from a central database; typically, the accuracy is limited to an    interval prior to the time-stamped instant. A listing in a payment    terminal, a betting or point of sale terminal, or a door lock in a    university typically contains a revoked access listing relevant to    lost or stolen tokens, disqualified users, or tokens suspect as    counterfeit. See lists.-   Property: an attribute or quality inherent in a user or to device.    Non-limiting examples include: a device which is public key    protected, a door-lock which is off-line, a terminal which is    on-line and battery backed, etc.-   Range of Times: time intervals (time of day and date) recognized by    terminal devices as privileged authorized times of access by    terminals and locks with real time semiconductor clock devices,    typically battery backed.-   Rescinding (of a token): a temporary denial of rights. In a binary    listing such a change is effected by complementing an un-rescinded    bit or an un-revoked bit; i.e., in a binary notation, there is no    difference between un-rescinded or un-revoked, or, conversely,    rescinded or revoked. Permanent or temporary denial decisions,    relevant to specific attributes are typically authorized by proxies    of the operator.-   Revocation (of a token): typically a permanent denial of privilege    or attribute. In a non-limiting example; when a token is lost or    stolen, or if the token-holder has been deprived of rights and    privileges, the token is revoked in the list of the community of    tokens. See Rescinding.-   Revocation List: a listing of the community defining, which tokens    have been denied entitlement. In a bit listing, a revoked or    rescinded token bit is signified by a bit complemented from the    un-revoked state. In a non-limiting example; if a zero signifies an    un-revoked status, then a one signifies a revoked status.-   Scalper: an individual who buys quantities of entitlements to an    event with the intent of reselling at an inflated price. In    embodiments of the present invention where subscription tokens    (which typically contain many entitlements) replace physical    subscription tickets, “scalping” is nearly impossible, as there    would have to be a trust between the token owner, the scalper and    the scalper's customer, to assure that the token is returned to the    token owner after the event. In embodiments of the present    invention, the operator pays the subscription holder an un-inflated    price for his/her typically reduced price entitlement. The operator    then typically complements the token holder seller's entitlement or    revocation attribute bit in at least one activity list. When the    operator resells the entitlement to a second, previously unentitled    token holder, the operator either complements the previously    un-entitled token holder's entitlement bit or revocation attribute.-   Section of gate entrances: one or more clusters of gates typically    corresponding to a closed section of reserved seats, groups of    seats, or other arena amenities. Spectators are typically allowed    access via predefined sections of gates.-   Server, Computer Network Server: a (conceptually) central computing    system that regulates a site network, herein described in arena and    university environments to serve as a gateway to the Internet,    mobile and fixed line telephone network, and optionally to contain    supporting data bases.-   Smart Card: a conventional paper or plastic configuration of    substantially the same size as a conventional plastic credit card,    with a semiconductor memory, with or without CPU or    crypto-controllers, see “Token”.-   Smart tokens, buttons, tags, tickets, etc.: see “Token”.-   Statistics. Crowd: statistics on attendees collected by gate cluster    control boxes and analyzed in system servers, that supply vital    crowd movement data, to aid in on-time initiation of events, to    supply information to police, fire departments, system    administrators relative to crowd safety, to security controllers who    must pinpoint suspect attendees, e.g., attendees with records or    suspected of unruly behavior.-   Statistics, History file: concurrent and previously-collected data    relating to: negotiations, purchases, granted access, etc. which are    accumulated in a terminal device. In a non-limiting example, in a    networked arena system, a central computing device polls disbursed    terminals to collect crowd flow statistics.-   Status: a condition or attribute of a user, a token, or a device in    the operator's system. Non-limiting examples include: user status:    subscriber, fan, patron, VIP, minor, etc.; token status: revoked,    lost, used once in this event, etc.; device status: on-line,    off-line, etc.-   Steward, Club Steward: a user, direct employee, or indirect    employee, e.g., a contract worker or volunteer who typically    facilitates the flow of attendees to their assigned seats, aids and    directs users to services, supplies services or products to users,    services off and on line access means, prevents illicit entry,    actions or violence and thereby benefits the venue, place of work,    users, and/or event operators.-   Subscriber: a member of an operator-administrated community, such as    football spectators who are fans of a specific team, patrons of a    symphony orchestra, etc. who have typically acquired, in advance,    privilege of attending one or more events in a given time frame,    typically called a “season”.-   Successive addresses, successive values: addresses and/or values    which are assigned according to a predetermined scheme. The    predetermined scheme is not necessarily a sequential numbering or    addressing scheme. Non-limiting examples of predetermined schemes    for successive values include: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, etc. (even numbers);    00h, 01h, 02h, 03h, 04h, 10h, 11h, 12h, 13h, 14h, etc. (hexadecimal,    the first 4 bits of each word); and 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.    (sequential numbers). Typically, in a word attribute listing, token    ID's are sequentially-assigned, wherein tokens are numbered from    x..x0..000h through x..xF.FFF h (hexadecimal), wherein all numbers    in the given range are potential token-ID's. In an embodiment of the    present invention, compact binary listings utilize the least    significant hexadecimal digit for a bit number ranging from 0 (zero)    to 7, and each byte address includes a binary attribute for 8 token    ID's.-   Terminal, Token Reader: a device that typically retrieves data from    tokens, and, in preferred embodiments inserts data into the tokens,    and computes functions, many of which are defined herein. In an    arena, terminal functions are performed both by a token reader and a    control box.-   Ticket: a provable entitlement token. In preferred embodiments,    tickets are typically tokens with limited entitlement, typically for    single entry access, typically using reduced cost methods for proof    of access, e.g., paper tickets with Magicon and organic black masked    magnetic ink printed bar coded access authorization.-   Ticket Office: typically, a location serving as the human operated    computerized interface between users and the event operator. Ticket    offices typically deliver tokens to entitled users and issue unique    authorizations for after cut-off time entitlements.-   Time-stamp,: a provably-authentic digital declaration of the instant    that a certain event occurred; e.g., the recorded instant on a token    when a token holder negotiated the privileged attendance to a    football match. Typically, such a negotiation declaration is for an    event, which occurred after the cut-off time.-   Time and Attendance terminal: a closed-community access control    terminal similar to other such terminals, with additional    statistics-gathering capabilities, which can typically record    time-of-entry, time-of-exit, and relays such information via on-line    or manual off-line methods; such a terminal is typically connected    to servers over wired or wireless networks, and can also share    information with off-line terminals.-   Token, ID token, personal token: any one of many such devices used    in systems which benefit issuers and owners with varying levels of    security (protection) depending on resources, costs, potential value    to adversaries, loss of income or benefit, and/or liability.    Examples of tokens include use of one or more of the following used    separately or together: smart cards or parts of smart cards;    embedded in plastic or applied on paper or plastic semiconductor or    other circuits; contactless or wired devices; bar-coded devices;    devices with nonvolatile memory; devices with microprocessor    control; devices with secret keys; devices with cryptographic    protection, either symmetric or asymmetric; devices containing    unique detectable material, color, hologram, picture of user,    biometric information, user information typically difficult for an    adversary to know, distinct defined attributes, and so forth. A    token may appear not only in a smart-card derived device, but may    also be installed in a timepiece, in a subcutaneous semiconductor    device, on eyeglasses, etc. See “ID”.-   Token holder, ID token holder: a user (see “User”) who, by    presenting the ID token, typically seeks benefit and/or access to a    controlled area or service by proving membership or other relevance    to a closed community through the aid of the token.-   Token reader: see “Terminal”.-   Turnstile: an electrically-controlled mechanical device typically    enabling single-direction access from one area to another, typically    enclosed area, and often enabling uncontrolled exit from such    enclosed area. Typically, a control box issues a signal to the    turnstile to release the gate lock, and allow a single user    entrance.-   Unique material: see “Smart Card” and “NMR”. Several types of    substances which, when electromagnetically activated, emit resonance    echoes, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,986,550. Alternative unique    materials include but are not limited to, materials and devices,    which emit unique optical spectrums and images, holograms, etc.-   University: a venue whose mode of access and computerized control    are exemplary of educational or commercial institutions in general,    granting services and product to employees and users.-   User: a holder of a token, and may be referred directly or by    implication as: a person, access requester; attendee, token holder,    patron, spectators, viewer, subscriber, exhibitor, performer,    participant, passenger, traveler, delegate, student, teacher,    member, visitor, guest, player, employee, employer, manager,    operator, driver, rider, or any combination thereof of members of    the operator-administrated community.-   Valid Time: the interval or intervals during which a granted    entitlement is bona fide and acceptable, as in the Range of Times.    See Range of Times.-   Validation unit: an authentication unit or token terminal.-   Venue: a place of interaction that benefits from access control,    including, but not limited to: a stadium; a service; an arena; a    theater; an amphitheater; a performance hall; a transportation    terminal; a station; a convention center; a forum; a government    installation; a payment scheme computer service; a chat room or    Internet site; a clinic; a financial institution, a product vendor's    computational site, internet, or otherwise networked group; a sports    facility; a recreational complex; a country club; a night club; a    private or public club; a secured computation complex; an    educational institution; a membership club; a theme park; a hotel; a    medical center or installation; a residential complex; a parking    facility; a casino; a betting installation, a location, and    computerized services thereof; a workplace; a military installation;    a transport service or complex thereof. Such locations or entities    are typically event-related, where computer-aided controlled access    is utilized.-   VIP (“Very Important Person”): an individual with preferred status    in the community. In a non-limiting example, a VIP typically has    reserved seating in a closed shaded box in a sports arena, with    access rights to more than one restricted area in said arena; e.g.,    a lounge, a restaurant, etc.-   Visual indicia (on posters according to embodiments of the present    invention): text and/or graphics to guide a user holding a wireless    handheld communicator in the processes of downloading and using    applications and information as indicated on the poster. In a    non-limiting example of a horse race application, visual indicia    typically includes: a guide to methods for registering a bet and    collecting proceeds; a guide to methods for authorizing money    transfer using the user's token; and a guide to methods for    accessing results of other sports events, including a summation of    the user's gains and/or losses.

Therefore, according to the present invention there are provided thefollowing:

-   -   In a venue attended by a person holding a token containing a        token ID, an access control system including: (a) a token reader        operative to read the token ID of the token; (b) an        operator-issued authenticator communicative with the token        reader, the authenticator operative to output an authorization,        the authenticator containing: (i) apparatus operative to        establish authenticity of the token ID; and (ii) a list of        acceptable token IDs, the list having a cut-off time; and (c) a        passage controller operative to allow the person holding the        token access to a predetermined area of the venue upon the        passage controller's receiving the authorization; wherein the        authenticator outputs the authorization upon detecting the token        ID in the list of acceptable token IDs.    -   In a venue attended by a user holding a wireless handheld        communicator, a data system for communicating information and        data capabilities to the person, the system including: (a) a        poster having an attached wireless token operative to        communicate with the wireless handheld communicator, and        operative to transmit data thereto and to receive data        therefrom; and (b) visual indicia printed on the poster, the        visual indicia operative to guide the user to perform a        procedure for establishing data transfer between the attached        wireless token and the wireless handheld communicator.    -   In a system of tokens, wherein each token has a unique token ID        and describes an attribute of a token-holder, an attribute        scheme for determining whether the attribute applies to the        token-holder, the attribute scheme including: (a) a list        associated with the attribute, the list containing a plurality        of bits, wherein each bit has a bit value and a unique address,        and wherein each of the token IDs corresponds to a bit of the        plurality of bits; (b) a token-reader operative to read the        token ID of the selected token and operative to access the        list; (c) an authenticator communicative with the token reader,        the authenticator operative to: (i) determine that the attribute        applies to the token-holder based on the bit value of the bit        corresponding to the token ID of the selected token; and (ii)        determine that the attribute does not apply to the token-holder        based on the bit value of the bit corresponding to the token ID        of the selected token.    -   In a system of tokens, wherein each token has a unique token ID        and conveys a privilege to a token-holder, an entitlement scheme        for determining whether the privilege is revoked for a selected        token, the entitlement scheme including: (a) a list associated        with the revocation of the privilege, the list containing a        plurality of bits, wherein each bit has a bit value and a unique        address, and wherein each of the token IDs corresponds to a bit        of the plurality of bits; (b) a token-reader operative to read        the token ID of the selected token and operative to access the        list; (c) an authenticator communicative with the token reader,        the authenticator operative to revoke the privilege to the        token-holder based on the bit value of the bit corresponding to        the token ID of the selected token.    -   In a system of tokens wherein each token has a unique token ID        and wherein a presented token thereof has a presented token ID        and conveys a privilege to a token-holder, a method for        preventing the presented token from being used more than once to        exercise the privilege, the method including: (a) providing a        list containing a plurality of bits corresponding to the token        IDs of the tokens, the value of an addressable bit of which        indicates that the privilege is conveyed to the        token-holder; (b) providing a token-reader operative to read the        presented token ID of the presented token and operative to read        and change the value of the addressable bit; (c) providing an        authenticator communicative with the token-reader, reader, the        authenticator operative to determine if the privilege is        conveyed to the token-holder, the authenticator operative to        grant the privilege to the token-holder, the authenticator        operative to deny the privilege to the token-holder, and the        authenticator operative to rescind the privilege to the        token-holder; (d) having the token-reader read the value of the        addressable bit; (e) having the authenticator confirm that the        privilege is conveyed to the token-holder according to the value        of the addressable bit; (f) having the authenticator grand the        privilege to the token-holder; and (g) having the token-reader        change the value of the addressable bit.    -   In a system of tokens, wherein each token has a unique token ID        and describes a plurality of attributes of a token-holder, an        attribute scheme for determining whether a selected attribute        applies to the token-holder, the attribute scheme including: (a)        a list associated with the plurality of attributes, the list        containing a plurality of words, wherein each word has a unique        address and contains a predefined number of bits, wherein each        bit has a bit value and a bit position, wherein each of the        token IDs corresponds to a word of the plurality of words, and        wherein the selected attribute corresponds to a bit        position; (b) a token-reader operative to read the token ID of        the selected token and operative to access the list; (c) an        authenticator communicative with the token reader, the        authenticator operative to: (i) determine that the selected        attribute applies to the token-holder based on the bit value of        the bit at the bit position corresponding to the selected        attribute in the word corresponding to the token ID of the        selected token; and (ii) determine that the selected attribute        does not apply to the token-holder based on the bit value of the        bit at the bit position corresponding to the selected attribute        in the word corresponding to the token ID of the selected token.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top-level illustration of the off-line/on-line securitysystem of a sports arena operative to use a plurality of features andfunctions for regulating spectator activities both inside and outside ofthe enclosed arena area using a multiplicity of schemes to enhance bothsecurity and required functionality.

FIG. 2 is a top-level illustration of computer controlled securitysystems encompassing the activities of university students and employeesin and around the university campus, with a multiplicity of schemes,typically relevant but not limited to: universities and colleges;convention centers; forums; recreational complexes; membership clubs;hotels; medical centers; workplaces; residential complexes; parkingfacilities; betting establishments; casinos; and transporters, e.g.,subscribers to free transportation in a given time frame.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the central control functioning to securelyprovide accelerated off-line monitored entrance of crowds into an arenawith the ability to provide on-line crowd statistics to assure safepunctual inauguration of a mass attended event.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the control unit functioning to securely allowoff-line entrance to a student dormitory for students and authorizeduniversity employees.

FIG. 5 is a simple depiction of the compact listings operative to enableaccelerated timely authentication of status of tokens and system users,especially designed for off-line devices with limited memory capacities,e.g., hotel and dormitory door locks with small cost sensitiveelectronic circuitry, and for arena control boxes controlled by smallmicrocontrollers, etc.

FIG. 6 is a simple depiction of a multi-system smart card styledpersonal identification token operative to communicate either viaelectronic wired connections (contact type smart card); or via radiofrequency near field communication (contactless type smart card), with aan imprinted shape, a Magicon, of uniquely detectable proprietarymagnetically resonant material; with a unique issue number.

FIG. 7 is a simple depiction of a near field contactless token terminalwith an internally embedded antenna operative to communicate with tokenswith antennas and collaborating microchips, and also to cause uniquemagnetic resonance in proprietary material of FIG. 6 and with circuitryand computerized methods to detect such resonance.

FIG. 8 is a simple depiction of a user presenting a token to a wirelesstoken authentication terminal described in FIG. 7, wherein said tokenhas one or more attributes pertinent to those described in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a simplified description of devices typically used at aturnstile, pertinent to allowing user passage through the turnstilebarrier: a contactless token, the token authenticating terminal, theturnstile, and the status light indicator.

FIG. 10 is a schematic depiction of a steward with a hand held PDA typecomputer; typically such computerized wireless communicating devices areoperative to enhance security, ensure proper use of discounted tokensand user friendly services assuring safe timely seating of crowds in thearena.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic depictions of clusters of entranceturnstile gates with sub-system control boxes, in both figures, andclosed circuit television for people monitoring in FIG. 11A. Thesub-systems are designed for off-line crowd control with intermittenton-line auditing.

FIG. 12 is a schematic depiction of a preferred embodiment of thecentral secured token issuing station, typically operative to processand prepare ID tokens, typically smart cards and paper tickets,compliant with levels of security and systems administration's methods.Typically this central unit prepares listings for off-lineauthentication.

FIG. 13 is a schematic depiction of a preferred embodiment of mobiletelephone system operative to communicate with a wireless token and todetect counterfeited devices in a near field. Such devices, without NMRdetection attributes, are described in applicant's Provisional U.S.application No. 60/565,393.

FIG. 14 is a schematic depiction of a preferred embodiment of a personalcomputer system, an Intellifier, operative to communicate with awireless tokens and to detect counterfeited devices in a near field.

FIG. 15 is a schematic of a preferred embodiment for down-loading accessand priority listings where data are downloaded into hand held computerdevices with interfacing connectivity to secured door locks, points ofsale, gate clusters and other terminal devices, operative to preparesaid devices for future secured events and negotiations.

In applications in FIGS. 16, 17 and 18, in alternate preferredembodiments, the poster may guide the user with information on how tocommunicate and download the proposed application and information; e.g.,using popular mobile phone wireless channels.

FIG. 16 is a schematic depiction of a preferred embodiment of a wirelesssystem, operative to convey authenticated information from a poster withan attached semiconductor device and an authentication substanceprovably of unique origin.

FIG. 17 is a schematic depiction of a preferred embodiment of a wirelesssystem, operative to convey authenticated information from a poster withan attached semiconductor device and an authentication substanceprovably of unique origin.

FIG. 18 is a schematic of a preferred embodiment of a wireless system,operative to convey authenticated information from a university posterwith an attached semiconductor device which is downloaded to a mobilephone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In FIGS. 1 and 2, two distinctly different closed group computerizedsystems are depicted based on similar innovative personal identificationmeans operative to benefit system operators and users. In both systems,confidential regulation is based on personal identification tokens, 5,operable to assure a measure of security, commensurate with availableresources and level of implementation; e.g., on line betting usingmobile phones with Intellifiers, 530 and applications with the clusterof Posters 215 in FIG. 2, in preferred embodiments are deployed withmodern security systems compliant with the Europay, MasterCard or Visa(EMV) smart card based system specifications, implemented withcombinations of contact and contactless smart cards.

The Arena system of FIG. 1 is networked to a server system, 10,connected to token issuing station, 20; and to a ticket and reportprinter 160, operative to assemble and control a secure data base ofstatus of users in the community, and at appropriate cut-off-times toassemble and distribute compact status lists, see FIG. 5. Server systemis also operative to serve as a wireless gateway to mobile telephones,85, and to hand-held PDAs, 100, which help serve steward's, 60, controlcrowds, and interface elements, 90, between server, 10, in the eventthat network, 15, has failed, all or in part. The issuing station,typically, initializes and personalizes tokens, 5, for distributionmonths before the relevant sport's season. Prior to events, the issuingstation, 20, prepares status listings typically for gate cluster controlboxes 50 and 52; for point of sale units 140 (clustered in to subsystem,145); for a kiosk, 170, to aid users with timely information; forbetting computers, 130, clustered in subsystem 135; for stewards' PDAs,100; for disbursed personal computers 120, with Intellifiers, 530, insubsystem 125 for use in arena ticketing offices, in corporate usersoffices; in operators' and agents' premises, etc.

The hardware output, 165, of the issuing station, and the report printerare typically delivered by conventional means, e.g., delivered bypriority mail services and hand delivered at operator's ticket offices.Users' mobile phones, 80, with Intellifiers, 530, clustered in mobilephone networks, 85 are typically used for purchasing product, tickets,and for betting.

Typically a steward, 60, is stationed opposite clusters of controlledgates, 30 and 40, operative to monitor the in-flow of attendees, andaiding such individuals to find their way to their seats. A part of thetroop of stewards with PDAs, 65, with status lists and token terminalfunctions is typically patrolling the stadium grounds and the incomingcrowd, operative to assure family friendly movement of entitled users totheir seats and to detect illicit activity. While users are entering thearena, typically, the central server, 10, polls the entrance systems,35, via the control boxes, 50 and 52, operative to collect statisticsrelevant to the flow of the entering crowd, and the filling up of eachsection of the arena, typically complying with fire and policedepartment rules and crowd control regulations. Typically informationrelevant to unruly or potentially unruly individuals will be relayed tothe arena control room, not depicted. Typically, images from control boxclosed circuit television system, 52, of selected individuals or groupsare digitally photographed with closed circuit television cameras, 260,and displayed on control box monitor 265, prior to relaying said imageon fixed line network, 15, or by alternate wireless means. Inhigh-security systems, typically suspect images are visually anddigitally compared with images stored, typically, in the secured server,10. In a preferred embodiment, when a user with a record of unrulybehavior passes the turnstile, control boxes 50 and 52 are operative tosignal stewards, 60, and the central control room.

Secured cluster, 30, and higher security cluster, 40, are each off-lineregulated clusters of individual gates systems, 150. A gate system, 150,consists of a token terminal 250, a turnstile, 280, and a lightindicator, 270. Typically the token terminal will check the relevance ofthe token in the system, pass the result of the relevancy check to thecontrol box, either 50 or 52. If the result is positive, the control boxtypically checks if the token represents a user on the expected list. Ifso, and a previous token has not “proved itself” to be the “identicalto” the same token, the control box typically emits a release signal tothe turnstile lock, thereby allowing, typically, one person to pass theturnstile. Typically, milliseconds later, the control box causes avisual signal to appear on one of the light indicators, notifying asteward, 60, of the class of token that activated the system, to assurethat an adult was not using a minor's concession token. In the event ofillicit attempted entry or wrong choice of gate entry, the lightindicator, 270, typically would flash red to request immediateconsideration by a steward, 60.

A Gatemaster 90, is a peripheral useful to manually download relevantlists to gate control boxes, 50 and 52, to points of sale, 140, tobetting terminals and to all authorized system devices. Typically, allgating systems are battery backed, and are capable of operatingoff-line, typically, pendant only to their having been loaded with validoperational listings. In preferred gate cluster embodiments the listingwould have more than the single bit basic attribute, “expected” or “notor no longer expected”; e.g., other typical optional attributes: tokenowner “is” or “is not” a: VIP; the token holder “is” or “is not” aseason subscriber; “is” or “is not” a minor; the token applicant “has”or “has not” a record of unruliness in the last 12 months; etc. Manualdownloading of listings is relevant to points of sale, 140, to bettingterminals, 130; to ticket office computers in 125; to Intellifierinterfaces, 530, which are depicted on point of sale terminals, 140, ondisbursed PCs, 120, and on mobile phones, 80. In preferred embodiments,stewards PDAs are operative to upload statistics from control boxes, 50and 52, typically when said control boxes are temporarily off-line.

FIG. 1 does not depict Mobile phone arena and other remote poster drivenbetting applications, typically relevant to sport arenas, are depictedin FIGS. 16 and 17.

Due to the normal off-line functioning attributes of the subsystems theinflow of users is typically minimally affected when a network fails, ora single control box is inoperative.

The University token controlled system of FIG. 2 is networked to asystem server, 10, and to an application gateway server, 12. The tokenissuing station, 20, typically, initializes and personalizes tokens, 5,typically at the outset of the school year. The token issuing station,20, is operative to control and update a secure data base of users'status. In preferred embodiments, the ticket and report printer, 160, istypically operative to issue one-time paper ticket tokens and to issuestatus reports for the operator. The hardware output, 165, of theissuing station, and the report printer are typically delivered byconventional means, e.g., priority mail services and at universityoffices.

In preferred embodiments, prior to events, and at instants when tokenschange status, e.g., students leave the university, tokens are lost, theissuing server 20 prepares status listings for the sport arena, 70; andother restricted university events; for points of sale units 140(clustered in to subsystem, 145); for kiosks 170, for time andattendance units, 190, disbursed in the campus; for disbursed personalcomputers, 120, with Intellifiers, 530, in subsystem 125 for use inuniversity administration offices, and in university laboratories.

Dormitory (halls in the UK) doorlocks, 205, are off-line battery backedunits for granting controlled, time of day and date dependent access. Inpreferred embodiments, typically, issuing station, 20, downloadsactivity lists to PDAs, operative to securely update doorlock accessentitlement lists, via the Door Master, 95, interface. Issuing station,20, programs into each entitled user's token, 5, a provable entitlementto open one or more designated door lock for suitable ranges of times.If an entitling token is lost or stolen, a university employee with aPDA and Door Master typically will have to complement only the losttoken bit in the “activity list” in the specific entitled doorlock ordoorlocks. Other activity lists are typically securely updated over thenetwork, 15.

An authorized token, 5, is operative to prove access entitlement to thedoorlock's internal electronic controller, which typically connectsdoorlock handle to the tongue of the door mechanism, operative to enablethe token holder to open the designated dormitory door.

A user's mobile phone 80, typically with an Intellifiers, 530, clusteredin a mobile phone network, 85, is typically used to purchase access touniversity events, and to download application programs, and datarelevant to activities driven by posters, 220. Typically, when using amobile phone for a poster driven purchase, the token holder will proveagreement to a financial agreement, using cryptographic attributes andmeans of the user's token.

The university arena subsystem, 70, typically includes the sameessential elements as the arenas of FIG. 1, typically with lower levelsof unruliness and less esoteric security constraints. Tokens and“expected attendee lists” serve similar functions.

The Door Master 95, is a peripheral interface useful to manually toupload stored data from system devices via a PDA, 100, e.g., which tokenusers gained entry to a system device; to download system applications,and computer programs and to download relevant lists, see FIG. 5, to adormitory (hall, UK) door locks, 200 in the cluster of all of thecomputerized door locks, 205, to a points of sale, 140 in the assemblyof all of the community's points of sale, 145, via an Intellifier, 530,in any authorized device, to a poster semiconductor application device,400, in the application poster, 213, in the subsystem of applicationposters, 220, to a kiosk, 170, in the subsystem of kiosks, 175, to atime and attendance device, 190 in the subsystem of time and attendancedevices, 195; e.g., at entry points to the university campus, at entrypoints to university laboratories and lecture halls, and to otherauthorized system devices.

Typically, off-line devices are battery backed, typically operative fortwo or more years, before necessary battery replacement. On-line devicesare typically battery backed with power-line battery chargers, to assureconstant off-line service during power outages and brown-outs. Criterionfor activity lists are obvious, including but not limited to: expectedattendance, absence of delayed payments in the last 12 months,membership in good-faith of students and faculty, etc.

Application server, 12, is operative to download applications and datato poster's contactless semiconductor token, 213, and to the collectionof posters, 215, and to regulate further negotiations between users' andapplications typified by poster, 212 in FIGS. 2 and 18.

FIG. 3 is a self explanatory flowchart of Fortress GB Ltd's proprietarymethod of accelerated managing entrance of football spectators into asport arena. The process of allowing spectators to pass through theturnstiles is essentially an off-line procedure, capable of proceedingduring intervals of unexpected power outages, and failed computernetworks.

FIG. 3 is a simplified flow chart of the principal activity of crowdcontrol in a sports arena, relevant to the cluster of entranceapparatus, 35, of FIG. 1. At introductory and background step, 3500,prior to activating apparatus, 35, activity status lists are down loadedinto gate controllers (control boxes) 50 and 52; and while gates areoperative to allow entry to the arena, the central server, 10, pollssaid gate controllers for timely statistics of flow of attendees andnotification of irregular events. Steps 3620, 3630, 3660, 3690,typically result in denial of entry to unentitled token user, resultingfrom queries 3520, 3540, 3560, 3570, 3590 and 3595. The queriesdetermine if the applicant token belongs to the system, if the token ison the “expected attendee list”, if the entry point is compliant withthe seating arrangement allotted to the applicant, and if the applicantactivated the turnstile in the allotted time interval. Negative answersto such queries typically cause denial of entry.

Step 3580 describes the basic activities of the gate cluster controlbox, typically: to log access details, to complement the bit in the“expected attendee list”; to signal an indication to the steward, e.g.,energizes a lamp in the light indicator, FIG. 1, 270; to send anauditory signal to alert a steward, (not depicted in FIG. 1); and for ashort time interval to energize an unlocking device operative to allow asingle authorized user to pass the turnstile.

Query 3670 typically verifies if a token represents the last applicant,and if this applicant did not succeed to activate the turnstile in theallotted interval. In such cases, step 3675 activates the turnstileunlock for the timer interval. Subsequent to the applicant's entry intothe restricted area, step 3695 updates the entrance audit statistics,which are transmitted when server, 10, polls the control box.

The transmitted lists are time-stamped with date and time of lastup-date, “Cut-Off Time”. Typically, any “provably valid” token, which isnot included in the “Active List”, which has received entitlement afterthe “Cut-Off Time”, will have provable mention of entitlement in thetoken memory with corresponding time of issuance of said entitlement.Typically, the token will include the specific seat in the seatingentitlement.

Typically, the control “box” of a cluster of gates is operative toaccept and reject users with contactless tokens. Typically, severalhours prior to opening the gates to allow spectators' entrance to thestadium, the issuing station, 20, prepares “activity lists”, depicted inFIG. 5, to be downloaded into control boxes, and into club stewards'PDAs. 100.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the control unit functioning to securely allowoff-line entrance to a student dormitory for students and authorizeduniversity employees. The scheme, typically, has relevance for otheraccess control embodiments described in this patent.

Introductory steps in 4500, describes system deployment of tokens andapparatus, depicted in FIG. 2. Tokens, 5, in FIG. 2, are issued tousers, with authorization to enter specified rooms in defined times anddates. Doorlocks, 205 are installed, with appropriate activity lists,see FIG. 5. Such lists enable activation of unlocking device in adoorlock, 200, if token can prove authorization, and if updated activitylists in the door do not negate prior authorization.

As door locks are energized by inexpensive batteries, typically withexpected life of two or more years, under normal conditions, theelectronic unit is in a minimum current consumption state, “sleep mode”,where typically only a real time clock will be active between tokenactivations. At step 4510, the token is inserted into the doorlock,typically closing a switch, awakening the door lock microcontroller.

After activation of controller in Step 4520, the controller tests forproof of relevancy to the community. Typically, this process includesdetermining if the token is able to communicate with the doorlockcontroller, and prove that the token was personalized by the university.

At step 4530, the doorlock controller verifies result of step 4520, tosee if the device is a device of a type issued by the university, andwas personalized by the university. At step 4540, the doorlockcontroller verifies if the token holder is a certified member, and at4550, if the applicant has applied for access within the priority timeinterval certified in the token. At step 4560, the controller checks theuniversity's certificate to verify if the token was authorized forentrance to the specific room. If the conclusion of any of the previousqueries is negative, the controller in step 4595 signals denial ofaccess, and reverts to minimum current consumption sleep mode, wherein,typically, only the real time clock and calendar is active.

Step 4570 is necessary to ascertain if after personalization accessentitlement of the token, or token holder has been revoked by theuniversity. Such revocation is typically a result of a student's leavingthe university, or that the token has been lost or stolen. If the user'sbit in the activity list has been complemented, step 4580 causes denialof access. If the answer is positive, the controller, typically recordsaccess time in both the doorlock memory and in the token, and energizesthe unlocking mechanism in the door for a defined, typically few secondinterval, allowing the token holder to enter the dormitory room.

FIG. 5 is a simple depiction of the use of compact listings operative toenable accelerated timely authentication of status of tokens and systemusers. Originally, this listing structure was designed for off-line andon-line devices with limited memory capacities, e.g., hotel anddormitory door locks with small cost sensitive electronic circuitry. Insuch instances, the answer to a query of the activity list was a simpleyes or no; “is the applicant's token in the list of viable tokens?” Insystems, similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, disbursed devices with largermemories execute a plurality of complex functions, which typicallydemand a larger variety of token holder attributes.

For limited questioning, typically, the binary file structure, 300, issufficient. In this example, a verifying device is programmed to answerquery, 320, if in list #2 user number 12e45H has a positive attribute.

Token index number 12e45 is represented in list #2, at byte address212e4, at bit number 5. Note, the most significant hex digit of theaddress is the list number, and the least significant digit of the tokenindex number, 5, is the 5^(th) least significant bit of the byte, 330 ataddress 212e4H. Assuming 1 is yes, the answer to the query, 340, is yes.

In activity list structure, 315, each byte represents one token, with 8bits representing 8 binary attributes. Query, 325, signifies a requestof binary knowledge of the 4 attributes represented by the 4 leastsignificant bits, “efgh” of user number 12e45H in List #2. Data inaddress 212e45H is, 01100101. In this sample, bit f=1 and bit h=1; andbits e and g are zeroes. Attributes f and h, therefore are “Yes” andattributes e and g are “No”. As all consecutive index numbers of tokensin this closed system represent either a token that was issued and ispresently certified, or a token that may be issued and certified forconcurrent use, the memory is minimal, and the search in the listing isquickest, deterministic and immediate. User numbers can be recycled,once the certified expiration date has passed. This proprietaryattribute has enabled Fortress GB Ltd. to lead the competition in thesize of communities enabled in simple electronic devices with limited onboard memory.

FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 demonstrate several combinations of means to ensureaccelerated and/or steward monitored access to closed arenas. Prior artbar-code readers and Magicon verifiers, typically hand-held, are notdepicted.

FIG. 6 is a simple depiction of a multi-system smart card styledpersonal identification token, 5, with an embedded semiconductorintegrated circuit, 400, operative to communicate either via electronicwired connections, 410, (contact type smart card); or via a radiofrequency near field communication antenna, 420, (contactless type smartcard), with an imprinted shape, a Magicon, 430, of uniquely detectableproprietary magnetically resonant material; an 8 digit number printed bya counter in Arial font, 6 pte size letters in dark blue with secretink, 495; with a passport type photograph of the token holder, 490, andwith a bar-code imprint, 440, operative to convey data to a bar-codereader. In preferred embodiments, said bar-coded data, 440, is imprintedwith magnetic ink, typically disguised with a black non-magneticcovering imprint, typically preprinted, not depicted. Such blackcovering, either preprinted, or printed after unique bar-coding, doesnot deter a magnetic ink bar-code reader. Typically, in preferredembodiments, disguised magnetic bar-coding and or proprietary Magiconimprinting may be applied as an additional deterrent to adversaries,after original personalization of tokens; e.g., Magicons may be appliedwith a poor binder to an “away” ticket, at an arena, outside ofentrance, when each applicant's token is verified; in preferredembodiments, a disguised bar-code or a Magicon may be applied when asubscription token is re-personalized for an additional season. Thepassport photo of the token owner is especially important for steward'saccelerated verification of holders' of reduced price tokens; e.g.,light indicators in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 alert stewards when reduced pricetokens enable token holders to enter a closed arena area.

FIG. 7 is a simple depiction of a near field contactless token terminal,250, with an internally embedded antenna, 250, operative to communicatewith tokens with antennas and collaborating microchips, and also tocause unique magnetic resonance in Magicons, 430 of FIG. 6. Not depictedis internal currently available circuitry operative to detect authenticMagicons, and currently available circuitry, 441, to read bar-code, 440,typically imprinted with magnetic ink, and to communicate with tokens,via token's antenna, 420, in FIGS. 6 and 8.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram, not to scale, of a token holder, 480,pressing a token, 5, into the near field, 460, to enable authenticationby the token terminal, 250, operative to authenticate validity of thetoken, wherein said token has one or more attributes pertinent to thosedescribed in FIG. 6, wherein, at least one attribute proves relevance tothe system, and at least one attribute relates to identification of thetoken holder.

FIG. 9 is a simplified description of devices and methods in preferredembodiments, 150, useful at a turnstile, pertinent to allowing userpassage through the turnstile barrier, 280. As in FIG. 8, user, 480,typically presses a token, 5, into the terminal's, 250, near fielddetection field, 460. In preferred embodiments terminal's antenna, 450,is operative to communicate with token's antenna, 420, and also todetect community membership, via Magicon, 430. Token's bar-code, 440, isoperative to be read by bar-code reader circuitry, 441, typicallyenabled to read magnetic ink barcode. Turnstile, 280, is typically asschematically shown in 280, but may be any of a variety of ubiquitouselectronically controlled barriers. Indicator lights, 270, are any of acombination of FIG. 1, control-box, 50, or 52, regulated indicators anddevices operative to call attention to steward, 60, of FIG. 10, ofexceptional or ordinary applicants. Ordinary applicants are typicallytoken holders, who are users who have paid full price for admission toan event. Exceptional applicants may be token holders with valid tokens,e.g., users requesting entrance at the wrong section of the arena, whowill typically need steward's assistance, or minors, who are typicallybe observed by stewards, operative to assess applicant's age and/or tocompare applicant's facial features to the image, 490, on the token.Other typically exceptional applicants include token holders' withfaulty or fraudulent tokens or tokens that have been previously used togain entrance to the event, passed-back tokens, or subscription holders'tokens which have been recycled as operator's buy-backs. In preferredembodiments, Stewards' PDAs are equipped with bar-code readers, NMRdetectors to authenticate Magicons, and contactless smart card readers.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are simplified schematic depictions, 30 and 40, ofclusters of entrance turnstile gates, 150, without closed circuittelevision monitoring in FIG. 11B, and with a sub-system control-box andCCTV imaging apparatus for people monitoring. The sub-systems aredesigned for off-line crowd control with intermittent on-line server 10,FIG. 1 auditing for crowd gathering statistics. Typically, centralserver preloads access and priority and allowance listings, described inFIG. 5, for accelerated crowd control. Control-box sub-system, 52,performs normal functions of control-box sub-system, 50, of FIG. 1,typically ascertaining, authenticating, and recording expected“non-exceptional” token holders' entrance into restricted arena area,typically on their way to be seated in the arena, while analyzing andtransmitting statistics of such movements. “Exceptional” functions ofcontrol-box sub-systems, 50 and 52, typically involve alertingoperator's steward's, 60, intervention to aid and direct applicants asoutlined in explanation of FIG. 9. Typically, the control-boxsubsystems, 50 and 52, will locally record use of an authenticated tokenin a listing of FIG. 5, and typically are operative to locally detectattempted illicit use of a token and are operative to typically recordsuspect faulty or forged token usage, in proprietary listings, of FIG.5. During the process of admitting token holders into the restrictedareas, control-box subsystems are operative to function during periodsof network and power outage failures, as complete off-line entities.When the arena's network, 15, is operative, central server, 10,intermittently polls control-box sub-systems, 50 and 52, to assembleestimations of percentages of attendees who are already seated. Whenthreshold estimated percentages are reached, typically, a last call willbe broadcast to lounges in the arena, requesting all attendees toproceed to their designated seats. In preferred embodiments, control-boxsubsystems, 50 and 52, are networked to central server's wirelessgateway, typically as a fall-back to fixed-wire network, 15, (FIG. 2).

Closed circuit television cameras, 260, of control-box 52 are operativeto record images of applicants entering, and or attempting to enter therestricted arena area. In preferred embodiments, such images are linkedto token holder's index numbers in server's data base via listingservice described in FIG. 5. Operators typically have options to recordand display exceptional applicant's, including those applicants whosetokens fail to provide affirmative proof of having operator's criterionof approval to enter at a defined section of the arena.

FIG. 12 is a schematic depiction of a preferred embodiment of thecentral secured token issuing station, 20, of FIG. 1, typicallyoperative to process and prepare ID tokens, typically smart cards andpaper tickets, compliant with levels of security and systemsadministration's methods. Typically this central unit preparesproprietary listings, as depicted in FIG. 5, for off-line authenticationprior to events. Unit 500 is a schematic description of a variety ofinitialization and personalization devices, wherein a large number ofun-personalized smart cards are introduced into automatic smart cardfeeder, 501. The process of initialization typically includes activatingtokens to internally generate, or for issuing station to insert, secretcryptographic keys, which are operative to prove to a community terminalthe validity of the token's identity and priorities. Preferredembodiments of issuing stations imprint passport type images, 490, FIG.9, identifying information of token user, bar-code identifiers, etc. onsmart card type devices. Personalized tokens are typically loaded intooutput magazine, 502.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are schematic of the elements of interfacing a token, 5,with a mobile telephone with an Intellifier, 80, and a personal computerIntellifier, 520, both of which are described in applicant's U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/565,393, operative to communicatewith said token via Intellifier antenna, 510, and token antenna, 420. Inpreferred embodiments circuitry as sold by Micro Tag Ltd, is operativeto emit electromagnetic signals via intellifier antenna, to activate anddetect identifying frequencies resonated by Magicons, 430. Switch, 515,in FIG. 13, and Switch, 521, in FIG. 14, are operative to activateIntellifier circuitry by user, when placed in the close vicinity to asemiconductor module, 400, as depicted in FIGS. 13, 16, 17, and 18. Suchlimited interval activation is necessary to conserve battery backedenergy supplies in mobile telephones and lap-top computers.

FIG. 15 is a schematic of preferred embodiments for down-loading accessand priority listings, 300, FIG. 5, from issuing station, 20, FIGS. 1, 2and 12, typically to devices which are temporarily or permanently notnetworked or otherwise communicating directly with closed communitydevices. Issuing station converts relevant data from the confidentialclosed community data base into activity listings for disbursed devices.Listings, 300, in proprietary Fortress GB Ltd. activity files, aredownloaded into hand held computer devices, PDAs, 100, equipped with:Door Master, 95, with interfacing connectivity to secured door locks;and/or Gate Master, 90, operative to update subsystem control-boxes, 50and 52, and points of sale, 140, and other devices, operative to preparesaid devices with necessary status of tokens for future secured eventsand negotiations.

Door Lock, 200, is typical of door locks outfitted with Fortress GB Ltd.proprietary door lock controllers. Initial door personalization of doorlock and subsequent updating of activity listings in door lock, 200, areenacted with programs and activity lists, typically downloaded fromissuing station, 20. Door lock circuitry typically consists of: amicrocontroller with non-volatile memory, an external LED, 630, tosignify proof of approval of token to unlock in a given time frame, timeinterval allowance checked against internal battery backedreal-time-clock and calendar; internal battery; smart card readerterminal, operative to activate, read and verify inserted token, 5, FIG.2; solenoid to connect door handle, 600, to door-lock tongue, 640, for alimited number of seconds, to enable authorized token holder to enterrestricted access room. When personalized with a Door Master, 95,door-lock receives identity linked to room which lock protects, and anactivity list to recognize all indexed tokens in the lock's community,e.g., a university or a hotel. An authorized token contains a provablecertificate issued by issuing device, 20, enabling a certified token tooperate door lock, 200, during the certified time frame, providing thatsaid authorization has been invalidated.

Typically, only off-line devices, e.g., door locks and peripherals thatare not connected to the community network, are updated with DoorMasters, 95, and Gate Masters, 90. In the event that a token is lost,stolen, faulty or compromised, or the token holder has lostauthorization, typically, the only door lock that need be updated withnew activity listings, would be the specific lock to which said tokenholder has received authorization.

FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 demonstrate three separate proprietary poster drivenschemes, from posters, 210, 211 and 212, operative to add value tooperators, attendees and members of closed groups.

These schematic depictions of preferred embodiments of a wirelesssub-system, operative to convey authenticated information (suggested onposters, 210, 211 and 212 in FIGS. 16, 17 and 18) from said posters,with attached semiconductor devices, 400, and an authenticationsubstance, typically a hidden Magicon, 430, of FIG. 6, imprinted on orin said semi-conductor device are operative to enable usefulapplications. In a preferred embodiment, the unique authorizedsemiconductor device, with unique Magicon, which when authenticated bycircuitry in mobile phone with Intellifier and NMR authenticator, canprovably assure a downloading of virus free applications and relevantdata from said posters, to a user's mobile phone.

Users read content of poster, and decide if they want to participate inthe application, described on the poster. If a user chooses toparticipate, typically the user activates the mobile phone for thevalued application by placing user's token in the near field of themobile phone Intellifier, while energizing the intellifier by depressingswitch button, 515. User downloads application, similarly, by placingmobile phone, 80, in the near field of antenna, 620, and similarlydepresses switch button, 515.

Poster 210 suggests an application whereby a user engages in remotebetting from his seat in the arena; learn the odds which are relevant atthe time. Typically, the betting service is operative to enable the userto engage in intelligent wagers, in more than the arena.

Typically the application of poster, 210, is operative to download anevent program and a gambling application to safely assure regular andlast-minute betting at horse races or sports events.

FIG. 17 typifies an embodiment tailored to betting at a series of boxingmatches. This application is operative to safely assure regular andlast-minute betting and/or between bouts betting at boxing matches witha running account of sporting events on the mobile phone, 80.

FIG. 18 is a schematic of a preferred embodiment of a wireless system,operative to convey authenticated information from a university posterwith an attached semiconductor device. In this preferred embodiment,students can easily download grades, purchase tickets to events, learnchanges in classroom schedules, download classroom material, downloadlegal music, and internet such and other data to their personalcomputers, and as depicted on the poster, download an application for apersonal scheduling program to get a student to the right class, at theright classroom, on time, to turn off the mobile phone ringer duringclass time. Similar, un-depicted preferred embodiments for musicconcerts, wherein a program will be downloaded, and the mobile phoneringer turned off during the concert are feasible. A preferredembodiment for operatic performances typically includes the concurrentlibretto in the vernacular and/or the language of the opera.

1. An off-line/on-line security system for an enclosed area housing amass attended event, the system comprising: a plurality of gatecontrollers; a central controller for securely providing said gatecontrollers with status lists enabling said gate controllers to provideaccelerated off-line monitored entrance of attendees into the enclosedarea including recognizing valid attendee tokens by consulting only thestatus lists and without consultation via a network with a remoteserver, wherein said central controller stores a numerical valueassociated with at least one of the attendee tokens, the numerical valueincluding at least one bit signifying that a token-holder correspondingto said at least one attendee token is an expected attendee; and anon-line statistics provider operative to utilize said numerical valueand to provide the central controller with on-line crowd statisticsincluding data indicating a number of attendees which have passed eachgate controller, thereby to assure safe punctual inauguration of themass attended event; wherein said gate controllers check if an attendeeis on an expected list indicating attendees expected to participate atsaid mass attended event.
 2. A system according to claim 1 and alsocomprising tokens, held by persons attending the event and eachcomprising a token ID, wherein each said gate controller comprises atoken reader operative to read the token IDs.
 3. A system according toclaim 2 wherein at least one token bears a time-stamp comprising aprovably-authentic digital declaration of the instant that the tokenholder negotiated his attendance to the mass-attended event.
 4. A systemaccording to claim 2 wherein at least one status list comprises anattribute of whether a token holder is “expected” or “not or no longerexpected” to attend the mass-attended event.
 5. A system according toclaim 4 and wherein said central controller comprises a buy-backfunctionality in which an “expected” token holder in the status listreverts to being “not or no longer expected”.
 6. A system according toclaim 2 wherein each said gate controller also comprises: anoperator-issued authenticator communicative with said token reader, saidauthenticator operative to output an authorization, said authenticatorcomprising: (i) apparatus operative to establish authenticity of thetoken ID; and (ii) a list file of acceptable token ID's, said list filehaving a cut-off time and comprising a stored version of said statuslists; and a passage controller operative to allow the person holdingthe token access to a predetermined area of the enclosed area uponreceipt of said authorization, wherein said authenticator outputs saidauthorization upon detecting entitlement of the token ID in said list ofacceptable token ID's.
 7. A system according to claim 1 wherein at leastone of said gate controllers comprises a cryptographically operatedreader of an attendee's status.
 8. A system according to claim 1 whereinsaid plurality of gate controllers normally function off-line and areoperative to revert to on-line mode, vis a vis said central controller,in some instances.
 9. A system according to claim 1, further comprisinga steward PDA including a module to read tokens borne by attendees,operative to download at least one list from said central controller andaccordingly, and to assist an attendee to find his seating arrangement.10. A system according to claim 1 wherein said central controller is inintermittent on-line communication with the plurality of gatecontrollers via a network.
 11. A system according to claim 10 andwherein, when the network is operative, the central controller isoperative to assemble estimations of percentages of attendees who arealready seated.
 12. A system according to claim 1 wherein said pluralityof gate controllers are disposed at entrance points to an enclosed areaselected from the group consisting of: a stadium, an arena, a theater,an amphitheater, a performance hall, a transportation terminal, afinancial institution, a service, a clinic, a country club, a nightclub, a private club, a station, a port, a convention center, a forum, agovernment installation, a payment scheme, a betting installation, asecured computation complex, a sports facility, a recreational complex,an educational institution, a membership club, a theme park, a hotel, amedical center, a medical installation, a residential complex, a parkingfacility, a casino, a workplace, a military installation, and atransporter.
 13. A system according to claim 1, wherein at least one ofsaid plurality of gate controllers has a changeable mode selected fromthe group consisting of: off-line and on-line; wherein said at least onegate controller is further operative to provide access control functionsin said off-line mode; and wherein said at least one gate controller isfurther operative to download and upload data in said on-line mode. 14.A system according to claim 1 wherein said token comprises at least aportion of a smart card embedded in plastic.
 15. A system according toclaim 1 wherein said token comprises at least a portion of a smart cardembedded in paper.
 16. A system according to claim 1 wherein each tokenhas a unique token ID.
 17. A system according to claim 1 wherein thenumerical value also includes at least one bit signifying whether thetoken has or has not already been used at a particular event.
 18. Asystem according to claim 17 wherein said at least one bit signifyingthat a token-holder corresponding to said at least one attendee token isan expected attendee coincides with said at least one bit signifyingwhether the token has or has not already been used at a particular eventbecause when a token-holder enters the enclosed area, a bit whichindicated that a token-holder was an expected attendee at an event iscomplemented to indicate that currently, the token-holder is no longerconsidered an expected attendee at the event.
 19. A system according toclaim 1 wherein activity status lists in which each token is representedby a byte describing expectation of participation of a token-holder insaid event, are pre-downloaded into gate controllers.
 20. A systemaccording to claim 19 wherein, several hours prior to opening gates toallow spectators' entrance to the enclosed area, said lists are preparedand downloaded into said gate controllers.
 21. A system according toclaim 1 wherein the gate controllers provide said central controllerwith timely statistics of flow of attendees and wherein subsequent to anattendee's entry into the enclosed area, entrance statistics are updatedfor subsequent transmittal.
 22. A system according to claim 1 whereinthe gate controllers provide notification of irregular events to saidcentral controller.
 23. A system according to claim 1 wherein entry isdenied to a token-holder if an entry point is not compliant with aseating arrangement allotted to the token holder.
 24. A system accordingto claim 1 wherein entry is denied to a token-holder if the token-holderfailed to activate a turnstile in an allotted time interval.
 25. Asystem according to claim 1 wherein the gate controller complements abit in the “expected list” when a token-holder enters the event.
 26. Asystem according to claim 1 wherein the gate controller is operative,for a short time interval, to energize an unlocking device operative toallow a single authorized user to pass a turnstile.
 27. Anoff-line/on-line method for controlling access to an enclosed areahousing a mass attended event, the method comprising: providing aplurality of gate controllers; centrally and securely providing saidgate controllers with status lists enabling said gate controllers toprovide accelerated off-line monitored entrance of attendees into theenclosed area including recognizing valid attendee tokens by consultingonly the status lists and without consultation via a network with aremote server, including storing a numerical value associated with atleast one of the attendee tokens, the numerical value including at leastone bit signifying that the token-holder corresponding to said at leastone attendee token is an expected attendee; and utilizing said numericalvalue and providing on-line crowd statistics including data indicating anumber of attendees which have passed each gate controller, thereby toassure safe punctual inauguration of the mass attended event; whereinsaid gate controllers check if an attendee is on an expected listindicating attendees expected to participate at said mass attendedevent.
 28. A method according to claim 27 wherein a central server loadsgate controllers with the status lists for offline operation.
 29. Amethod according to claim 28 wherein said gate controllers provide crowdstatistics to the central server.
 30. A method according to claim 27wherein said method includes a decision step determining whether atleast one individual token detected by one of said gate controllers hasbeen used at said mass attended event and also includes, if saidindividual token has been used, denying entry to at least one holder ofat least one such token and, if said token has not been used, changing atoken event status associated with said individual token to “used” andallowing entry of a holder of said individual token.
 31. A computerprogram product, comprising a computer usable medium having a computerreadable program code embodied therein, said computer readable programcode adapted to be executed to implement a method for controlling accessto an enclosed area housing a mass attended event, the methodcomprising: providing a plurality of gate controllers; centrally andsecurely providing said gate controllers with status lists enabling saidgate controllers to provide accelerated off-line monitored entrance ofattendees into the enclosed area including recognizing valid attendeetokens by consulting only the status lists and without consultation viaa network with a remote server, including storing a numerical valueassociated with at least one of the attendee tokens, the numerical valueincluding at least one bit signifying that a token-holder correspondingto said at least one attendee token is an expected attendee; andutilizing said numerical value and providing on-line crowd statisticsincluding data indicating a number of attendees which have passed eachgate controller to assure safe punctual inauguration of the massattended event; wherein said gate controllers check is an attendee is onan expected list indicating attendees expected to participate at saidmass attended event.
 32. An off-line/on-line method for controllingaccess to an enclosed area housing a mass attended event, the methodcomprising: providing a plurality of gate controllers operative to checkif an attendee is on a pre-downloaded expected list indicating attendeesexpected to participate at said mass attended event; and recording thatat least one attendee's privilege of access to said event has beenbought back hence rescinded, by complementing a bit corresponding to theattendee in the “expected list”, before a cut-off-time.
 33. A methodaccording to claim 32 wherein entry is denied to an attendee who is noton the “expected list”.
 34. An off-line/on-line security system for anenclosed area housing a mass attended event, the system comprising: aplurality of gate controllers; a central controller for securelyproviding said gate controllers with status lists enabling said gatecontrollers to provide accelerated off-line monitored entrance ofattendees into the enclosed area including recognizing valid attendeetokens by consulting only the status lists and without consultation viaa network with a remote server; wherein said central controller stores anumerical value associated with at least one of the attendee tokens, thenumerical value including at least one bit signifying that atoken-holder corresponding to said at least one attendee token is anexpected attendee; and an on-line statistics provider operative toutilize said numerical value and to provide the central controller withon-line crowd statistics including data indicating a number of attendeeswhich have passed each gate controller, thereby to assure safe punctualinauguration of the mass attended event, wherein activity status listsin which each token is represented by a byte describing expectation ofparticipation of a token holder in said event, are pre-downloaded intothe gate controllers.
 35. A system according to claim 34 and alsocomprising tokens, held by persons attending the event and eachcomprising a token ID, wherein each said gate controller comprises atoken reader operative to read the token IDs.
 36. A system according toclaim 35 wherein at least one token bears a time-stamp comprising aprovably-authentic digital declaration of the instant that the tokenholder negotiated his attendance to the mass-attended event.
 37. Asystem according to claim 35 wherein at least one status list comprisesan attribute of whether a token holder is “expected” or “not or nolonger expected” to attend the mass-attended event.
 38. A systemaccording to claim 35 wherein said central controller comprises abuy-back functionality in which an “expected” token holder in the statuslist reverts to being “not or no longer expected”.
 39. A systemaccording to claim 35 wherein each said gate controller also comprises:an operator-issued authenticator communicative with said token reader,said authenticator operative to output an authorization, saidauthenticator comprising: (i) apparatus operative to establishauthenticity of the token ID; and (ii) a list file of acceptable tokenIDs, said list file having a cut-off time and comprising a storedversion of said status lists; and a passage controller operative toallow the person holding the token access to a predetermined area of theenclosed area upon receipt of said authorization, wherein saidauthenticator outputs said authorization upon detecting entitlement ofthe token ID in said list of acceptable token IDs.
 40. A systemaccording to claim 34 wherein at least one of said gate controllerscomprises a cryptographically operated reader of an attendee's status.41. A system according to claim 34 wherein said plurality of gatecontrollers normally function off-line and are operative to revert toon-line mode, vis a vis said central controller, in some instances. 42.A system according to claim 34, further comprising a steward PDAincluding a module to read tokens borne by attendees, operative todownload at least one list from said central controller and accordingly,and to assist an attendee to find his seating arrangement.
 43. A systemaccording to claim 34 wherein said central controller is in intermittenton-line communication with the plurality of gate controllers via anetwork.
 44. A system according to claim 43 and wherein, when thenetwork is operative, the central controller is operative to assembleestimations of percentages of attendees who are already seated.
 45. Asystem according to claim 34 wherein said plurality of gate controllersare disposed at entrance points to an enclosed area selected from thegroup consisting of: a stadium, an arena, a theater, an amphitheater, aperformance hall, a transportation terminal, a financial institution, aservice, a clinic, a country club, a night club, a private club, astation, a port, a convention center, a forum, a governmentinstallation, a payment scheme, a betting installation, a securedcomputation complex, a sports facility, a recreational complex, aneducational institution, a membership club, a theme park, a hotel, amedical center, a medical installation, a residential complex, a parkingfacility, a casino, a workplace, a military installation, and atransporter.
 46. A system according to claim 34, wherein at least one ofsaid plurality of gate controllers has a changeable mode selected fromthe group consisting of: off-line and on-line; wherein said at least onegate controller is further operative to provide access control functionsin said off-line mode; and wherein said at least one gate controller isfurther operative to download and upload data in said on-line mode. 47.A system according to claim 34 wherein said token comprises at least aportion of a smart card embedded in plastic.
 48. A system according toclaim 34 wherein said token comprises at least a portion of a smart cardembedded in paper.
 49. A system according to claim 34 wherein said gatecontroller checks if attendee is on an expected list indicatingattendees expected to participate at said mass attended event.
 50. Asystem according to claim 34 wherein each token has a unique token ID.51. A system according to claim 34 wherein the numerical value alsoincludes at least one bit signifying whether the token has or has notalready been used at a particular event.
 52. A system according to claim51 wherein said at least one bit signifying that a token-holdercorresponding to said at least one attendee token is an expectedattendee coincides with said at least one bit signifying whether thetoken has or has not already been used at a particular event becausewhen a token-holder enters the enclosed area, a bit which indicated thata token-holder was an expected attendee at an event is complemented toindicate that currently, the token-holder is no longer considered anexpected attendee at the event.
 53. A system according to claim 34wherein, several hours prior to opening gates to allow spectators'entrance to the enclosed area, said lists are prepared and downloadedinto said gate controllers.
 54. A system according to claim 34 whereinthe gate controllers provide said central controller with timelystatistics of flow of attendees and wherein subsequent to an attendee'sentry into the enclosed area, entrance statistics are updated forsubsequent transmittal.
 55. A system according to claim 34 wherein thegate controllers provide notification of irregular events to saidcentral controller.
 56. A system according to claim 34 wherein entry isdenied to a token holder if the entry point is not compliant with aseating arrangement allotted to the token holder.
 57. A system accordingto claim 34 wherein entry is denied to a token holder if the tokenholder failed to activate a turnstile in an allotted time interval. 58.A system according to claim 34 wherein the gate controller is operative,for a short time interval, to energize an unlocking device operative toallow a single authorized user to pass a turnstile.
 59. Anoff-line/on-line method for controlling access to an enclosed areahousing a mass attended event, the method comprising: providing aplurality of gate controllers; centrally and securely providing saidgate controllers with status lists enabling said gate controllers toprovide accelerated off-line monitored entrance of attendees into theenclosed area including recognizing valid attendee tokens by consultingonly the status lists and without consultation via a network with aremote server; including storing a numerical value associated with atleast one of the attendee tokens, the numerical value including at leastone bit signifying that a token-holder corresponding to said at leastone attendee token is an expected attendee; and utilizing said numericalvalue and providing on-line crowd statistics including data indicating anumber of attendees which have passed each gate controller, thereby toassure safe punctual inauguration of the mass attended event, whereinactivity status lists in which each token is represented by a bytedescribing expectation of participation of a token holder in said event,are pre-downloaded into gate controllers.
 60. A method according toclaim 59 wherein a central server loads gate controllers with statuslists for offline operation.
 61. A method according to claim 60 whereinsaid gate controllers provide crowd statistics to said central server.62. A method according to claim 59 wherein said method includes adecision step determining whether at least one individual token detectedby one of said gate controllers has been used at said mass attendedevent and also includes, if said individual token has been used, denyingentry to at least one holder of at least one such token and, if saidtoken has not been used, changing a token event status associated withsaid individual token to “used” and allowing entry of a holder of saidindividual token.
 63. A computer program product, comprising a computerusable medium having a computer readable program code embodied therein,said computer readable program code adapted to be executed to implementa method for controlling access to an enclosed area housing a massattended event, the method comprising: providing a plurality of gatecontrollers; centrally and securely providing said gate controllers withstatus lists enabling said gate controllers to provide acceleratedoff-line monitored entrance of attendees into the enclosed areaincluding recognizing valid attendee tokens by consulting only thestatus lists and without consultation via a network with a remoteserver; including storing a numerical value associated with at least oneof the attendee tokens, the numerical value including at least one bitsignifying that a token-holder corresponding to said at least oneattendee token is an expected attendee; and utilizing said numericalvalue and providing on-line crowd statistics including data indicating anumber of attendees which have passed each gate controller to assuresafe punctual inauguration of the mass attended event, wherein activitystatus lists in which each token is represented by a byte describingexpectation of participation of a token holder in said event, arepre-down loaded into gate controllers.
 64. An off-line/on-line securitysystem for an enclosed area housing a mass attended event, the systemcomprising: a plurality of gate controllers; a central controller forsecurely providing said gate controllers with status lists enabling saidgate controllers to provide accelerated off-line monitored entrance ofattendees into the enclosed area including recognizing valid attendeetokens by consulting only the status lists and without consultation viaa network with a remote server; wherein said central controller stores anumerical value associated with at least one of the attendee tokens, thenumerical value including at least one bit signifying that atoken-holder corresponding to said at least one attendee token is anexpected attendee; and an on-line statistics provider operative toutilize said numerical value and to provide the central controller withon-line crowd statistics including data indicating a number of attendeeswhich have passed each gate controller, thereby to assure safe punctualinauguration of the mass attended event, wherein entry is denied to atoken holder if the token holder failed to activate a turnstile in anallotted time interval.
 65. A system according to claim 64 and alsocomprising tokens, held by persons attending the event and eachcomprising a token ID, wherein each said gate controller comprises atoken reader operative to read the token IDs.
 66. A system according toclaim 65 wherein at least one token bears a time-stamp comprising aprovably-authentic digital declaration of the instant that the tokenholder negotiated his attendance to the mass-attended event.
 67. Asystem according to claim 65 wherein at least one status list comprisesan attribute of whether a token holder is “expected” or “not or nolonger expected” to attend the mass-attended event.
 68. A systemaccording to claim 67 and wherein said central controller comprises abuy-back functionality in which an “expected” token holder in the statuslist reverts to being “not or no longer expected”.
 69. A systemaccording to claim 65 wherein each said gate controller also comprises:an operator-issued authenticator communicative with said token reader,said authenticator operative to output an authorization, saidauthenticator comprising: (i) apparatus operative to establishauthenticity of the token ID; and (ii) a list file of acceptable tokenIDs, said list file having a cut-off time and comprising a storedversion of said status lists; and a passage controller operative toallow the person holding the token access to a predetermined area of theenclosed area upon receipt of said authorization, wherein saidauthenticator outputs said authorization upon detecting entitlement ofthe token ID in said list of acceptable token IDs.
 70. A systemaccording to claim 64 wherein at least one of said gate controllerscomprises a cryptographically operated reader of an attendee's status.71. A system according to claim 64 wherein said plurality of gatecontrollers normally function off-line and are operative to revert toon-line mode, vis a vis said central controller, in some instances. 72.A system according to claim 64, further comprising a steward PDAincluding a module to read tokens borne by attendees, operative todownload at least one list from said central controller and accordingly,and to assist an attendee to find his seating arrangement.
 73. A systemaccording to claim 64 wherein said central controller is in intermittenton-line communication with the plurality of gate controllers via anetwork.
 74. A system according to claim 73 and wherein, when thenetwork is operative, the central controller is operative to assembleestimations of percentages of attendees who are already seated.
 75. Asystem according to claim 64 wherein said plurality of gate controllersare disposed at entrance points to an enclosed area selected from thegroup consisting of: a stadium, an arena, a theater, an amphitheater, aperformance hall, a transportation terminal, a financial institution, aservice, a clinic, a country club, a night club, a private club, astation, a port, a convention center, a forum, a governmentinstallation, a payment scheme, a betting installation, a securedcomputation complex, a sports facility, a recreational complex, aneducational institution, a membership club, a theme park, a hotel, amedical center, a medical installation, a residential complex, a parkingfacility, a casino, a workplace, a military installation, and atransporter.
 76. A system according to claim 64, wherein at least one ofsaid plurality of gate controllers has a changeable mode selected fromthe group consisting of: off-line and on-line; wherein said at least onegate controller is further operative to provide access control functionsin said off-line mode; and wherein said at least one gate controller isfurther operative to download and upload data in said on-line mode. 77.A system according to claim 64 wherein said token comprises at least aportion of a smart card embedded in plastic.
 78. A system according toclaim 64 wherein said token comprises at least a portion of a smart cardembedded in paper.
 79. A system according to claim 64 wherein said gatecontroller checks if attendee is on an expected list indicatingattendees expected to participate at said mass attended event.
 80. Asystem according to claim 64 wherein each token has a unique token ID.81. A system according to claim 64 wherein the numerical value alsoincludes at least one bit signifying whether the token has or has notalready been used at a particular event.
 82. A system according to claim81 wherein said at least one bit signifying that a token-holdercorresponding to said at least one attendee token is an expectedattendee coincides with said at least one bit signifying whether thetoken has or has not already been used at a particular event becausewhen a token-holder enters the enclosed area, a bit which indicated thata token-holder was an expected attendee at an event is complemented toindicate that currently, the token-holder is no longer considered anexpected attendee at the event.
 83. A system according to claim 64wherein, several hours prior to opening gates to allow spectators'entrance to the enclosed area, said lists are prepared and downloadedinto said gate controllers.
 84. A system according to claim 64 whereinthe gate controllers provide said central controller with timelystatistics of flow of attendees and wherein subsequent to an attendee'sentry into the enclosed area, entrance statistics are updated forsubsequent transmittal.
 85. A system according to claim 64 wherein thegate controllers provide notification of irregular events to saidcentral controller.
 86. A system according to claim 64 wherein entry isdenied to a token holder if the entry point is not compliant with aseating arrangement allotted to the token holder.
 87. A system accordingto claim 64 wherein the gate controller is operative, for a short timeinterval, to energize an unlocking device operative to allow a singleauthorized user to pass a turnstile.
 88. An off-line/on-line method forcontrolling access to an enclosed area housing a mass attended event,the method comprising: providing a plurality of gate controllers;centrally and securely providing said gate controllers with status listsenabling said gate controllers to provide accelerated off-line monitoredentrance of attendees into the enclosed area including recognizing validattendee tokens by consulting only the status lists and withoutconsultation via a network with a remote server; including storing anumerical value associated with at least one of the attendee tokens, thenumerical value including at least one bit signifying that atoken-holder corresponding to said at least one attendee token is anexpected attendee; and utilizing said numerical value and providingon-line crowd statistics including data indicating a number of attendeeswhich have passed each gate controller, thereby to assure safe punctualinauguration of the mass attended event, wherein entry is denied to atoken holder if the token holder failed to activate a turnstile in anallotted time interval.
 89. A method according to claim 88 wherein acentral server loads gate controllers with status lists for offlineoperation.
 90. A method according to claim 89 wherein said gatecontrollers provide crowd statistics to said central server.
 91. Amethod according to claim 88 wherein said method includes a decisionstep determining whether at least one individual token detected by oneof said gate controllers has been used at said mass attended event andalso includes, if said individual token has been used, denying entry toat least one holder of at least one such token and, if said token hasnot been used, changing a token event status associated with saidindividual token to “used” and allowing entry of a holder of saidindividual token.
 92. A computer program product, comprising a computerusable medium having a computer readable program code embodied therein,said computer readable program code adapted to be executed to implementa method for controlling access to an enclosed area housing a massattended event, the method comprising: providing a plurality of gatecontrollers; centrally and securely providing said gate controllers withstatus lists enabling said gate controllers to provide acceleratedoff-line monitored entrance of attendees into the enclosed areaincluding recognizing valid attendee tokens by consulting only thestatus lists and without consultation via a network with a remoteserver; including storing a numerical value associated with at least oneof the attendee tokens, the numerical value including at least one bitsignifying that a token-holder corresponding to said at least oneattendee token is an expected attendee; and utilizing said numericalvalue and providing on-line crowd statistics including data indicating anumber of attendees which have passed each gate controller to assuresafe punctual inauguration of the mass attended event, wherein entry isdenied to a token holder if the token holder failed to activate aturnstile in an allotted time interval.
 93. An off-line/on-line securitysystem for an enclosed area housing a mass attended event, the systemcomprising: a plurality of gate controllers; a central controller forsecurely providing said gate controllers with status lists enabling saidgate controllers to provide accelerated off-line monitored entrance ofattendees into the enclosed area including recognizing valid attendeetokens by consulting only the status lists and without consultation viaa network with a remote server; wherein said central controller stores anumerical value associated with at least one of the attendee tokens, thenumerical value including at least one bit signifying that atoken-holder corresponding to said at least one attendee token is anexpected attendee; and an on-line statistics provider operative toutilize said numerical value and to provide the central controller withon-line crowd statistics including data indicating a number of attendeeswhich have passed each gate controller, thereby to assure safe punctualinauguration of the mass attended event, wherein the numerical valuealso includes at least one bit signifying whether the token has or hasnot already been used at a particular event, and wherein said at leastone bit signifying that a token-holder corresponding to said at leastone attendee token is an expected attendee coincides with said at leastone bit signifying whether the token has or has not already been used ata particular event because when a token-holder enters the enclosed area,a bit which indicated that a token-holder was an expected attendee at anevent is complemented to indicate that currently, the token-holder is nolonger considered an expected attendee at the event.
 94. A systemaccording to claim 93 and also comprising tokens, held by personsattending the event and each comprising a token ID, wherein each saidgate controller comprises a token reader operative to read the tokenIDs.
 95. A system according to claim 94 wherein at least one token bearsa time-stamp comprising a provably-authentic digital declaration of theinstant that the token holder negotiated his attendance to themass-attended event.
 96. A system according to claim 94 wherein at leastone status list comprises an attribute of whether a token holder is“expected” or “not or no longer expected” to attend the mass-attendedevent.
 97. A system according to claim 96 and wherein said centralcontroller comprises a buy-back functionality in which an “expected”token holder in the status list reverts to being “not or no longerexpected.”
 98. A system according to claim 94 wherein each said gatecontroller also comprises: an operator-issued authenticatorcommunicative with said token reader, said authenticator operative tooutput an authorization, said authenticator comprising: (i) apparatusoperative to establish authenticity of the token ID; and (ii) a listfile of acceptable token IDs, said list file having a cut-off time andcomprising a stored version of said status lists; and a passagecontroller operative to allow the person holding the token access to apredetermined area of the enclosed area upon receipt of saidauthorization, wherein said authenticator outputs said authorizationupon detecting entitlement of the token ID in said list of acceptabletoken IDs.
 99. A system according to claim 93 wherein at least one ofsaid gate controllers comprises a cryptographically operated reader ofan attendee's status.
 100. A system according to claim 93 wherein saidplurality of gate controllers normally function off-line and areoperative to revert to on-line mode, vis a vis said central controller,in some instances.
 101. A system according to claim 93, furthercomprising a steward PDA including a module to read tokens borne byattendees, operative to download at least one list from said centralcontroller and accordingly, and to assist an attendee to find hisseating arrangement.
 102. A system according to claim 93 wherein saidcentral controller is in intermittent on-line communication with theplurality of gate controllers via a network.
 103. A system according toclaim 102 and wherein, when the network is operative, the centralcontroller is operative to assemble estimations of percentages ofattendees who are already seated.
 104. A system according to claim 93wherein said plurality of gate controllers are disposed at entrancepoints to an enclosed area selected from the group consisting of: astadium, an arena, a theater, an amphitheater, a performance hall, atransportation terminal, a financial institution, a service, a clinic, acountry club, a night club, a private club, a station, a port, aconvention center, a forum, a government installation, a payment scheme,a betting installation, a secured computation complex, a sportsfacility, a recreational complex, an educational institution, amembership club, a theme park, a hotel, a medical center, a medicalinstallation, a residential complex, a parking facility, a casino, aworkplace, a military installation, and a transporter.
 105. A systemaccording to claim 93, wherein at least one of said plurality of gatecontrollers has a changeable mode selected from the group consisting of:off-line and on-line; wherein said at least one gate controller isfurther operative to provide access control functions in said off-linemode; and wherein said at least one gate controller is further operativeto download and upload data in said on-line mode.
 106. A systemaccording to claim 93 wherein said token comprises at least a portion ofa smart card embedded in plastic.
 107. A system according to claim 93wherein said token comprises at least a portion of a smart card embeddedin paper.
 108. A system according to claim 93 wherein said gatecontroller checks if attendee is on an expected list indicatingattendees expected to participate at said mass attended event.
 109. Asystem according to claim 93 wherein each token has a unique token ID.110. A system according to claim 109 wherein, several hours prior toopening gates to allow spectators' entrance to the enclosed area, saidlists are prepared and downloaded into said gate controllers.
 111. Asystem according to claim 93 wherein the gate controllers provide saidcentral controller with timely statistics of flow of attendees andwherein subsequent to an attendee's entry into the enclosed area,entrance statistics are updated for subsequent transmittal.
 112. Asystem according to claim 93 wherein the gate controllers providenotification of irregular events to said central controller.
 113. Asystem according to claim 93 wherein entry is denied to a token holderif the entry point is not compliant with a seating arrangement allottedto the token holder.
 114. A system according to claim 93 wherein thegate controller is operative, for a short time interval, to energize anunlocking device operative to allow a single authorized user to pass aturnstile.
 115. An off-line/on-line method for controlling access to anenclosed area housing a mass attended event, the method comprising:providing a plurality of gate controllers; centrally and securelyproviding said gate controllers with status lists enabling said gatecontrollers to provide accelerated off-line monitored entrance ofattendees into the enclosed area including recognizing valid attendeetokens by consulting only the status lists and without consultation viaa network with a remote server; including storing a numerical valueassociated with at least one of the attendee tokens, the numerical valueincluding at least one bit signifying that a token-holder correspondingto said at least one attendee token is an expected attendee; andutilizing said numerical value and providing on-line crowd statisticsincluding data indicating a number of attendees which have passed eachgate controller, thereby to assure safe punctual inauguration of themass attended event, wherein the numerical value also includes at leastone bit signifying whether the token has or has not already been used ata particular event, and wherein said at least one bit signifying that atoken-holder corresponding to said at least one attendee token is anexpected attendee coincides with said at least one bit signifyingwhether the token has or has not already been used at a particular eventbecause when a token-holder enters the enclosed area, a bit whichindicated that a token-holder was an expected attendee at an event iscomplemented to indicate that currently, the token-holder is no longerconsidered an expected attendee at the event.
 116. A method according toclaim 115 wherein a central server loads gate controllers with statuslists for offline operation.
 117. A method according to claim 116wherein said gate controllers provide crowd statistics to said centralserver.
 118. A method according to claim 115 wherein said methodincludes a decision step determining whether at least one individualtoken detected by one of said gate controllers has been used at saidmass attended event and also includes, if said individual token has beenused, denying entry to at least one holder of at least one such tokenand, if said token has not been used, changing a token event statusassociated with said individual token to “used” and allowing entry of aholder of said individual token.
 119. A computer program product,comprising a computer usable medium having a computer readable programcode embodied therein, said computer readable program code adapted to beexecuted to implement a method for controlling access to an enclosedarea housing a mass attended event, the method comprising: providing aplurality of gate controllers; centrally and securely providing saidgate controllers with status lists enabling said gate controllers toprovide accelerated off-line monitored entrance of attendees into theenclosed area including recognizing valid attendee tokens by consultingonly the status lists and without consultation via a network with aremote server; including storing a numerical value associated with atleast one of the attendee tokens, the numerical value including at leastone bit signifying that a token-holder corresponding to said at leastone attendee token is an expected attendee; and utilizing said numericalvalue and providing on-line crowd statistics including data indicating anumber of attendees which have passed each gate controller to assuresafe punctual inauguration of the mass attended event, wherein thenumerical value also includes at least one bit signifying whether thetoken has or has not already been used at a particular event, andwherein said at least one bit signifying that a token-holdercorresponding to said at least one attendee token is an expectedattendee coincides with said at least one bit signifying whether thetoken has or has not already been used at a particular event becausewhen a token-holder enters the enclosed area, a bit which indicated thata token-holder was an expected attendee at an event is complemented toindicate that currently, the token-holder is no longer considered anexpected attendee at the event.